Today was all about raising funds for the Wild Beasts Basketball Club – an initiative where local South Sudanese youth, predominantly living in the Fitzroy high-rise housing, are given the opportunity to play basketball as part of a team. Now with more than 50 youngsters wearing a jersey, across 5 teams, the club continues to grow and provide opportunities for the local kids to be a part of a growing and exciting program.
Akech Manyiel Malou has always been there to help MSF. Back when we hosted weekend camps down at Phillip Island, Akech was there as an MSF coach and mentor. Also when MSF started the Footscray Hawks Basketball program, Akech was there as one of the head coaches. Throughout MSF King of the Court events, Akech has been there to support as a referee. So when he asked us if we could set-up our portable court in Fitzroy, for a positive cause he was leading, there was no question MSF would be there to help him out.
Getting up at 5am, loading the truck at 6.30am, and setting up the court with about 10 local youth lending a hand, clipping tiles and moving equipment, was a pretty cool experience to share with the kids. Then seeing the court up and running, always comes up looking great no matter where we set-up. In this case, we were right outside the Fitzroy Police Station, with the good old Fitzroy buildings of Condell Street in the backdrop.
With the great support of the Fitzroy Police, Helping Hoops charity group & local youth services, it was a successful event that raised awareness and support from its community. The kids were led up and down the streets of Fitzroy, informing local businesses of the goals, rattling tins and coming back with several thousand dollars from business owners. An experience that these kids can feel proud of, knowing they were a part of raising the funds, rather than getting it put on a plate for them and not truly appreciating the efforts of the club leaders.
Other features at the event included the clinics and tournament hosted by Helping Hoops, over on the caged streetball court. Mike Spears from Helping Hoops was counting baskets and encouraging shooters for at least 3 hrs straight also showing his dedication to keeping the day full of energy. While our number one MC – Master of Ceremonies – Little Jase, was on the mic keeping the day fun and full of excitement.
What an experience to be part of for MSF. While we work towards bigger and better events across Australia right now with sponsors, it’s always a good feeling when we can reconnect with the roots of why we started MSF, and give back to the communities that cherish experiences like this in their neighbourhoods. Seeing the kids enjoy the court, competing on a professional facility set-up in their own backyard, must have been quite an experience. I know I would have loved something like this coming out to my hometown growing up.
Packing up the court after dark at 7pm, rain pouring down, locking up the court and driving home – it was a nice moment to take in what was just done today.
Here are some more photos in the gallery below.
PHOTO GALLERY
