Acclaimed Canberra based multicultural youth program the Big Bang Ballers have today received $48,850 from the Gillard Labor Government to boost their popular Night Hoops program.

Announcing the new funding as part of the Government’s Diversity and Social Cohesion Program at a visit to the Belconnen Basketball Stadium, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Senator Kate Lundy, explained Night Hoops is a popular program that engages migrant youth and youth at risk in basketball games, developing both basketball and life skills in a fun and safe environment.

“The Night Hoops program provides a safe and fun environment to develop mutual respect and lasting friendships,” Senator Lundy said.

“Night Hoops brings Canberra youth from all walks of life together, using the game of basketball. With the great guidance of the Big Bang team, these kids not only develop their basketball skills, they build on their life skills.

“This funding will enable the Big Bang Ballers to do what they do best – to coach and teach people who are new to the game, while also delivering workshops on racism and stereotypes.

“I’ve always said that sport acts as an enabler in bringing people of diversity together.

“This creative idea through the use of a basketball program serves to engage young people from vastly different backgrounds through the common interest of basketball.”

The Big Bang Ballers work closely with impoverished communities in other nations such as Afghanistan, Nepal and Uganda, where they work with some of the world’s most disadvantaged children, to create a sense of self worth and purpose. The Big Bang Ballers project is one of 60 successful applications under the 2013 14 Diversity and Social Cohesion Program, which will begin providing grants totalling $2.8 million from 1 July 2013.