Shouts, laughter, and sounds of bouncing basketballs and squeaky sneakers echo through the school gym, as a group of youth shoot, dribble, and pass.
March Madness is often associated with basketball, but in Peterborough — at least on this May day — a hoops version of ‘May mania’ is evident at James Strath Public School.
“You’re at this end, and you’re going to throw the ball here,” instructs Joseph Hays, of the Peterborough Youth Basketball Association (PYBA), as he directs participants in the JumpBall program on where to stand for a basketball passing drill.
Launched two years ago, JumpBall is an introductory basketball and game experience for kids and youth with exceptionalities, including those with physical, intellectual, or developmental needs. Run in partnership between the PYBA and Five Counties Children’s Centre, the program is opening doors to a sport which many kids might not otherwise play.
“It just doesn’t get any better when, at the end of the JumpBall session, a player — red in the face from working hard — leaves with a smile and offers a volunteer a high five,” says Hays, the PYBA’s diversity coordinator.
JumpBall lets participants have fun, enjoy physical activity, make friends, and learn and practise basketball skills. Over the six-week program, JumpBall participants get to work with a volunteer ‘buddy’ to shoot hoops, enjoy free play, and take part in group skill-building sessions that focus on shooting, passing, and other aspects of the game.
In early June, JumpBall wrapped up its second season, growing in popularity and participation.
“I enjoy playing at James Strath …I just love playing here, it’s so much fun,” says Elliott, one of roughly two dozen youth between the ages of seven and 17 who took part this spring.
Melissa, whose daughter took part in JumpBall for the first time, calls it “an amazing program” and “an awesome experience” for all involved.
“My daughter just loved it so much, meeting new friends (and) learning the love of the game,” says Melissa. “As a parent, it has been amazing to watch.”
According to Caitlin Ivany, a recreation therapist at Five Counties, the JumpBall partnership with the PYBA demonstrates how community groups can work together to break down barriers to sport.
“Everyone deserves the right to sport, especially kids with exceptionalities,” says Ivany. “So when we are able to provide these opportunities, it’s a really big part of their development.”
To boost access and accommodate youth with exceptionalities, some of the basketball rules and equipment have been modified for JumpBall participants. The length of the court can be shortened to break down physical barriers to players. User-friendly balls — softer and bouncier versions — may be used to help build player confidence so they feel more comfortable using a real basketball. For a participant using a wheelchair, a specialized sports chair was provided to boost mobility and make manoeuvring faster and easier.
“It’s amazing to see the growth of kids over the six weeks,” says Ivany. “Participants who may have been shy and quiet at the beginning are much more open, comfortable, and engaged as the weeks go on.”
For his part, Hays is hopeful JumpBall and similar programs “send a positive message to all other sports organizations — whenever and wherever possible, include kids who are equally deserving of access to sports, but are too often not invited to participate.”
A net result that’s worth shooting for, especially if it gets more kids in the game!
