Keyano College Huskies Athletics is proud to announce the formation of a partnership with Hoop Heroes Inclusive Basketball.
The program, which will begin in early March, will bring the game of basketball to children with additional needs and their families. Keyano Huskies student-athletes and coaches will participate in the program, easing the offering of the sport.
“I think it’s good for them as young adults going out into the community, opening up doors and their eyes,” Program Director Frank Power said. “For us, having that partnership with Keyano, it gives us credibility as an organization.
“The sky is the limit with that.”
The idea for the program’s launch is a personal one for Power. He has two sons, aged four and seven, who are autistic and non-verbal. Inspired by the offering of baseball and hockey to children with cognitive or physical disabilities, he’s eager to open the doors to the basketball court for youth in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
“I wanted to come up with an opportunity to give kids a chance to play basketball,” Power said, referencing the community of families in the RMWB, who are eager to enroll their children in sport opportunities, but are sometimes unable to find the best fit.
Spots have been opened in other sport camps before, but like the specific programs in baseball and hockey, all spots in the five-week camp will be open to children with additional needs only.
“I’m proud of our coaches and student-athletes for supporting this initiative,” said Jonathan Lambert, Keyano College’s Director, Athletics & Recreation. “Supporting grassroots development in our region is how we’ve been able to continue our athletic success in the collegiate scene.
“It makes perfect sense to support that same opportunity and provide the children with additional needs an opportunity to discover the sport of basketball and other sporting opportunities.”
Power, a Physical Education teacher at Elsie Yanik Catholic School, also understands the immense costs these families deal with on a daily basis, which was a driving factor in limiting the cost of each session to just $25.
“It’s a great accomplishment for Keyano College, Frank Power, and all of the community to be involved,” Women’s Basketball Head Coach Dwayne Vigilance said. “Any time that we can give back and help this community that we’re helping, it’s always a benefit.”
“As a person who grew up in Fort McMurray, who has been a part of this community for now going on 30 years, the ability to give back in the way we’re giving back, I think it’s outstanding.”
From the Men’s Basketball Huskies, Head Coach Jeremy Wielenga was excited to form the partnership as well, providing his student-athletes and the others from throughout the Huskies program an opportunity to add to their learning experience.
“It was an absolute no-brainer for us,” Wielenga said. “What he’s doing, I commend him; it’s a lot of work. It’s a really good thing anytime any child can play a sport. Obviously basketball hits close to home for us. Especially for children with additional needs, we’re there to help and do anything that we can to give back.
“We try to learn with anything we do. The lessons that are learned through sport are essential to grow up as an adult. I think this is great for them to get a different perspective.”
Those interested in becoming involved with the program can contact Hoop Heroes Inclusive Basketball through the methods below.
Program: Hoop Heroes Inclusive Basketball
When: Tuesday March 7 to Tuesday, April 4
Cost: $25/session
Location: Timberlea Public School
Contact: hoopheroes0129@gmail.com or 780-792-7002
Instagram: hoopheroes0129
Facebook: Hoop Heroes Inclusive Basketball
