Successful walking basketball program plays into overtime

For many like Sonya Pham, CBCity’s Walking Basketball program is the perfect opportunity to discover new goals and shoot for the stars.

The 61-year-old from Panania says the program, which CBCity recently introduced in partnership with Basketball NSW, is “the highlight of my week”.

“I was reassured this was for seniors with limited mobility and no experience was required ... I never thought I could learn a new active team sport like basketball at my age [but] now I am participating weekly at Bankstown Basketball Stadium,” Ms Pham said.

Mayor Khal Asfour said Council ran a pilot Walking Basketball program late last year and decided to reintroduce it in response to such high demand from community members.

“Walking Basketball is a fantastic way to incorporate gentle exercise, in a fun and healthy environment that reduces social isolation and boosts community inclusion,” he said.

“The only rule is no running and I’m so proud to have a number of seniors who are not just challenging themselves in learning a new sport, but are also committing themselves to a better lifestyle that offers a wide range of other benefits to their health and wellbeing.”

Paul McCarthy is taking part in his second season of Walking Basketball and said he enjoyed how easy the program has been for him, while meeting like-minded people in a relaxed atmosphere.

“The focus is on having fun with exercise, and the social connection has been great with a weekly coffee and chat,” he said.

Mr McCarthy urged more men to take part in Council’s FREE Walking Basketball program, which offers a coach to help any newcomers learn skills and rules to the sport.

“We are currently outnumbered two to one,” he said.

Mayor Asfour said the success and availability of the program is a swish that more people should jump at.

For more details, call 9707 5495.