THE Super Stingrays are proving that basketball is about much more than learning to bounce a ball.
For a group of local children, it’s an opportunity to get active, make friends and enjoy being part of a team.
Based at Tomaree High School, the group gives children with disabilities the chance to experience the fun of basketball in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
For organiser Mary Monin, starting the group was personal: travelling out of the area for an early Saturday morning session with her son prompted her to look for a local option.
“I thought, I’ve got to do something up here at Nelson Bay,” Ms Monin said.
She completed online courses through Special Olympics and arranged for the group to become a branch of the Hunter, providing insurance coverage for the sessions.
With help from local basketball coaches, the Super Stingrays began taking shape.
The group has already grown to more than 12 players, with children bringing different levels of experience and ability to the court. Coaches help each child participate at their own pace, making sure everyone has an opportunity to be involved.
Ms Monin hopes more families with children with intellectual disability, autism and ADHD will come along.
Children do not need to know how to play basketball before joining. Feeling comfortable enough to take part is what matters.
“It’s just about being part of a place that feels safe,” Ms Monin said.
Parent Wiwin Kozary was watching her son take part for the second time and was pleased to see him enjoying an activity he hadn’t tried before.
“It’s helping the kids to be active,” Ms Kozary said.
For Mary, the sessions are also an opportunity for families to meet others close to home. She understands how difficult it can be to find suitable activities and wants other children and families to have the same opportunity.
There is still plenty to do as the group grows, but the Super Stingrays have already created something special: a place where children can practise, play, build friendships and experience the enjoyment of belonging to a team.
The Super Stingrays meet every Monday afternoon at Tomaree High School from 4pm to 5pm.
For more information, email Monins4@bigpond.com or portstephensbasketball@gmail.com
By Althea GUINSBERG
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