Local students enjoy day of sports and new friends

Aline Msambya from St Saviour's learns new ball skills from local sporting stars

More than 28 high school students from Toowoomba’s Indigenous and African communities enjoyed a day of basketball and volleyball coaching at a recent sports clinic held at the University of Southern Queensland.

Coordinated by USQ’s Multicultural Centre Manager, William Conwell, the students spent the day learning new skills, making new friends and testing out their sports prowess against local sporting stars.

William said this was the fourth time he had run the sports clinic, and it continues to remain a success, with all the students looking forward to the next event.

'I believe the clinics provide local students with the opportunity to learn new skills while making friends with other students from various schools and diverse communities,' William said.

'I hope that they take away the confidence they develop during the day and put that to use at school and in their everyday life. I believe this type of event is a great way to break down barriers and helps to remove prejudice.

'USQ staff members, Mark Norman, Graeme Russell and Torben Marcussen, were involved in getting the clinic up and running. They gave up their time and lend their sporting knowledge to us which means the students get to learn from very experienced and capable coaches.'

The USQ Centre for Australian Indigenous Knowledge hosted a barbecue for the students and they were also given a talk on the importance of higher education.

American players from Toowoomba’s Mountaineers Basketball team, James Legan and Rashid Chase, also gave up their day to coach the students.

While he James is still getting used to the cold Toowoomba weather, James he said he was thoroughly enjoying his time in Australia, and was having a great day with the local students.

'It’s good to be able to give some of my experience to young people. I’m enjoying having fun with them and it’s good to see them laugh and smile,' James said.

Grade eight St Saviour’s College student Aline Msambya said she was having a great day playing basketball with the Mountaineers and making new friends, but when told Crocodile and Emu were on the lunch menu she said she’d probably stick to the chicken.

'I love basketball and I came along ‘cause I wanted to have some fun. It’s great playing with the team and it’s pretty good playing with the Mountaineers, but I’m not sure that I’m going to taste the Crocodile,' she said.

Contact Details:
Connie-Louise Rego, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2977