Basketball NI held their inaugural JrNBA Festival of Fun on Wednesday 17th of April with schools from across NI attending the event at Ulster University Jordanstown.
The event was the finale of 30 primary schools completing a series of basketball coaching which took place throughout the past number of months. Each school was assigned a NBA team and kit to wear. The teams took part in multiple games of basketball, skills challenges, media training and workshops conducted by, Sport Changes Life, PeacePlayers and a JrNBA workshop conducted by BNI.
The day concluded with a closing ceremony with Ireland National Team player, Jason Killeen, and US Consulate, James Applegate, both sharing and presenting the winning trophy to St. Francis, Loughbrickland (Milwaukee Bucks).
BNI Programme Coordinator, Niamh MacManus shared this about the day
Joining BNI in February, it has been amazing to witness and be a part of this programme as it flourishes. Seeing over 300 children from across Northern Ireland come together yesterday to play basketball, learn new skills and the importance of taking a time out for mental wellness was phenomenal and I look forward to continuing to grow and develop this programme.
BNI Programme Coordinator, Niamh MacManus
This first of its kind programme in Northern Ireland marked a milestone here. The programme and partnership has provided young children with the opportunity to experience basketball and foster the growth of the sport. Furthermore, it serves as a platform for local clubs to connect with nearby primary schools, paving the way for these children to pursue their basketball aspirations further.
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