IMB teams with Wollongong NRE Hawks to bring the IMB Zoo School Hoops program to School

Students from 40 schools across the Illawarra will get to shoot hoops with the Wollongong NRE Hawks this NBL season, thanks to IMB Building Society’s sponsorship of a positive and fun community program.

Called IMB Zoo School Hoops, the program is designed not only to teach kids basketball skills, but also to boost their understanding of the benefits of leading a healthy and active lifestyle.

“IMB Building Society has been a proud sponsor of the Hawks since the team was formed more than three decades ago,” said IMB Chief Executive Robert Ryan.

“The community model of the club perfectly matches IMB’s member-based approach to banking and ethos of community support. We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the Wollongong NRE Hawks this year via IMB School Hoops. It is a fantastic initiative that provides innumerable long-term benefits to the Illawarra.”

The program is hosted by players from the Wollongong NRE Hawks and coaching staff, each one-hour in-school clinic covers everything from ball handling, shooting, passing, defence and much more through fun and safe activities.

“The long-term benefits of playing sports from a young age are infinite, especially when it comes to team-sports,” said Wollongong NRE Hawks Captain, Mat Campbell.

“In addition to the physical health benefits, playing a sport like basketball requires critical thinking, self-discipline and the ability to work with others to achieve a goal. These are skills that go beyond the playing court, and imparting these skills on local kids is truly satisfying.”

Wollongong NRE Hawks General Manager, Mili Simic, said the program has become a pivotal part of the Hawks’ culture and the club is excited about extending the reach of the program across the Illawarra region.

“IMB School Hoops not only benefits local kids, but it also is a vital part to our focus on giving back to the community as a community owned club. We’re excited to see IMB Building Society come on board as the sponsor of School Hoops, it really shows they’re committed to supporting fantastic programs that give back to the Illawarra community.”  said Mili Simic

More than 10,000 school children have benefited from the program to-date and IMB’s sponsorship will ensure the program is delivered to a minimum of10 local primary schools per term, during the 2011/12 NBL season.

IMB School Hoops is fully funded by IMB – with no cost incurred to the schools or the students. Schools interested in booking an IMB School Hoops workshop should call the Wollongong NRE Hawks Head Office on 02-4229-7722.

TOP TIPS FOR SHOOTING A THREE-POINTER– from Wollongong NRE Hawks Captain, Mat Campbell:

1.    Stand with feet shoulder-width apart
2.    Bend your knees bent in your shooting stance with you back straight. This is the universal basketball stance

3.    Keep your elbow in while one hand is under the ball, your other hand should support the ball on the other side (make a “T” with your thumbs)

4.    Grip the ball with your finger-tips and keep an eye your target.

5.    Generate power from your legs, then release the ball with a smooth follow through.