"Warepa Primary Basketball Hoopers" attended the Clutha District Council meeting public forum in Balclutha yesterday, to update councillors on a grant they had received from the council during annual plan consultation earlier this year.
The trio of youngsters — Josh Maze, Flynn Jenkinson and Harper Whale — thanked the council for its grant of $3000 towards an adjustable basketball hoop and equipment, which they said had since helped inspire all 62 of the rural school’s pupils to "have a go".
The path to establishing the new facility was not without obstacles, however.
"We were successful[in our grant application] and able to purchase the hoop, with the cost of the hoop and installation being just over $3000," Flynn said.
"Unfortunately we made a hiccup and forgot to add the freight or the shipping ..."
The trio said rather than returning to the council for further funding, they decided to fundraise themselves through a basketball "goalathon".
"A goalathon is a little game where you get people to give you money for every shot.
"After our goalathon we fundraised over $1500 and we only needed $370.
"So the leftover money will be spent on other cool stuff and of course basketball gear."
The new hoop was height adjustable, allowing all ages to take part in their favourite sport.
"We noticed the juniors from our school couldn’t practise basketball as the basketball hoops were too high.
"[Now] we enjoy sharing our passion of basketball with our classmates and the younger children ..."
Following a round of applause, councillors praised the youngsters for their courage and clarity in presenting to the council.
Mayor Bryan Cadogan said it was "heartening" to see young people engaging in the democratic process.
"I’d like to praise your very professional attitude today, and thank you for bringing us up to date on your project.
"I think it’s great that you’ve just gone ahead and fundraised for the financial ‘hiccup’ you described.
"And I think I can say with confidence we’ll be using ‘hiccup’ here within council, when considering financial issues in future."
