Sport stars support Auckland youth basketball team

Olympic gold medallist Hamish Carter, the NZ Breakers, the Auckland Stars, former Swimming head coach Mark Bone and the All Whites Soccer team have all stepped in to help Auckland’s Under 15 Boy’s Basketball Team raise funds to attend the National Championship in Rotorua from October 6 to 10th.

The sports stars have all donated memorabilia, autographed merchandise, and event/season tickets for the team to auction off on TradeMe under the listing of under15bball. Companies such as Google, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, Kodak, Recruit IT, Rainbows End and Fronde have also provided items for the auction as well as donating funds for the team.

“It’s great to see the impact that sports can have on kids” said tri-athlete Hamish Carter, a well known advocate of children’s fitness. “Auckland’s Under 15 Basketball Team has been transformed by this experience. It’s exciting to watch.”

The Under 15 Coach, Steve Graham added “We didn’t have a lot of experience to fall back on. The boys had to fast track their teamwork skills as well as their conditioning.”

He said the team had experienced “a true Cinderella season”.

The team was off to a rough start losing many of their initial games, one by more than 30 points. “It was a real wake-up call” said Graham. “Their confidence took a real bruising, and they realised it was going to take some hard work and commitment to perform at a higher level.” Their hard work paid off in the regional qualifying tournament held in August. Their 5-1 record in the tournament gave them a 3rd place finish and an opportunity to represent Auckland at the National Championship.

The player’s parents have also noted the change in their sons over the course of the season. “My son has grown with this team. His belief in himself and his faith in his team mates is far greater than I had ever imagined” said Charlie Tuhua about his son Carlos. Charlie added, “This team and season have opened new ground with my son. The support and excitement we share for his team have been a turning point for us. It has been a priceless experience.”

The fund raising effort on TradeMe can be found by typing in the listing, under15bball. The proceeds will be used to help defray some of the expenses for the five day event. There is a 60 GB Google Flip, 30 GB Microsoft Zune, HP iPAQ, Family pass to Rainbows End and much more.

“The amount of support and recognition the team has received from the community has had a huge impact on the boys” said Coach Graham. “Win or lose, this has been a magical journey.”

Click here to go to TradeMe to view the auctions