Schools back and so are Wollongong NRE Hawks, tipping off term 1 with a round of IMB School Hoops clinics reaching out to over 40 schools across the Illawarra and ready to get our regions kids active and engaged in fun outdoor sports.

IMB School Hoops is designed not only to teach kids basketball skills, but also to boost their understanding of the benefits of leading a healthy and active lifestyle.   The program sponsored by IMB, engaged over 12,000 children in the 2011 school year.

Wollongong NRE Hawks will be out at Thirroul Public School today delivering the first IMB School Hoops clinic for 2012. “It’s encouraging to see the level of engagement from our local schools in this program, as a 100% community owned club and with the help of great sponsors we are giving back to the community through the delivery of these great fun and free programs across schools in the Illawarra region.” Said Wollongong NRE Hawks Captain Mat Campbell.

The program is hosted by players from the Wollongong NRE Hawks and coaching staff, each one-hour in-school clinic covers everything from ball handling, shooting, passing, defence and much more through fun and safe activities.

“The long-term benefits of playing sports from a young age are infinite, especially when it comes to team-sports,” said Mr Campbell.  “In addition to the physical health benefits, playing a sport like basketball requires critical thinking, self-discipline and the ability to work with others to achieve a goal. These are skills that go beyond the playing court, and imparting these skills on local kids is truly satisfying.”

IMB School Hoops is fully funded by IMB – with no cost incurred to the schools or the students. Schools interested in booking an IMB School Hoops workshop should call the Wollongong NRE Hawks Head Office on 02-4229-7722.