Press Release – Volunteering Services
General manager Adam Dunstan says Whai was founded five years ago with a vision of using basketball to build a more vibrant, socially connected city.
Whai Basketball is calling for more volunteers to help deliver game-day experiences while continuing to create pathways for young Bay of Plenty players to pursue professional basketball careers without leaving Tauranga.
A recent Whai school holiday camp (Photo/Supplied)
General manager Adam Dunstan says Whai was founded five years ago with a vision of using basketball to build a more vibrant, socially connected city.
“We’re about much more than professional basketball,” Adam says. “Our professional teams are what people see on television, but behind that, there’s a huge amount of work happening in the community.”
Whai operates men’s and women’s National Basketball League teams alongside a community programme offering player development, school visits, holiday camps and academy training.
Adam says the academy is designed to identify local talent early and develop players through to the professional level. This season, six academy graduates have appeared for the men’s team, while the women’s programme is also expected to field six graduates.
“Our founders committed to developing local players, and now we’re seeing athletes reach the highest level of basketball in New Zealand,” he says.
Whai players also visit schools throughout the year, introducing children to basketball and showing them they can build a future in the sport while staying in Tauranga.
Volunteers are essential to Whai’s home games, helping with ticketing, entry management, hospitality, merchandise, game-day setup and creating an enjoyable experience for fans. The organisation is recruiting volunteers for six home games between late September and late November.
Whai fans enjoying a game (Photo/Supplied)
“People don’t have to be basketball fans to volunteer,” Adam says. “If they want to help create something positive for Tauranga and be part of a great live sporting experience, we’d love to have them involved.”
Volunteer Vivek says joining Whai has helped him stay connected with basketball while becoming part of the Whai whānau.
As the organisation continues to grow, Adam says community support will be key.
“The sport is only going to get bigger, and we want the community to come on that journey with us.”
To learn more about volunteer opportunities across the Bay of Plenty, visit the Volunteering
Services website www.volunteeringservices.org.nz or call 07 987 0920.
Jump straight into action with Whai at:
https://www.volunteeringservices.org.nz/volunteers/?opp_id=125758
Content Sourced from scoop.co.nz
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