Jets encourage kids to stay active

TEAM EFFORT: Some of the children and coaches who participated in The Jets' basketball camp. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

The Manawatu Jets ran a school holiday basketball camp for about 80 children at Arena Manawatu to encourage them to stay active.

Over three days, six players from the Manawatu Jets taught children aged six to 17 individual and block skills, and coached them on all aspects of the game. The children also learnt different drills and played games against one another.

Community coach Miles Pearce said they saw the need to fill a gap in the holidays and wanted to make sure as many kids as possible were out and about running around.

"We had a range of children at different ages and skill levels participating, it was great. They were really privileged to have experienced players coaching them. I do not think anywhere else in New Zealand would have such great players coaching."

The three days promoted healthy living and encouraged children to get out more often instead of being in front of the television.

"We wanted to thank our sponsors and we hope this will be the start of something that will be ongoing," Mr Pearce said.

The Manawatu Jets plan to refocus on delivering community basketball programmes designed to provide pathways as they will not be entering a team in the 2016 National Basketball League.

The decision made in conjunction with key stakeholders including Sport Manawatu, Manawatu Rugby Union representatives, Palmerston North City Council and Arena Manawatu, will allow the Manawatu Jets to establish a business model which provides for financial sustainability, and importantly reduces the reliance on declining sources of community trust funding.

The brand will be focusing on community involvement and building on the work they are doing with coaching in primary schools, as well as working with Palmerston North Basketball Association to encourage youth to excel in basketball.