The Olympic sport of 3×3 basketball is being used to engage at-risk youths across Brisbane.
The Take it to the Streets youth program, run by the Queensland Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Queensland Police Service (QPS) , aims to intervene in the lives of vulnerable young people by bringing mentorship and engagement activities to them.
Program lead and professional 3×3 basketball player Deola D’Brown said the program aimed to use sport to break down barriers and empower young people who may be losing confidence or self-esteem, are at-risk of disengaging from education or may be commencing anti-social behaviour.
Mr D’Brown said the free program taught skills and discipline while engaging young people with mentoring that focused on supporting young people and increasing their confidence, emotional regulation, community engagement and mental wellbeing.
He said more than 130 young people aged 13 to 18-years-old had participated in the program so far, with an average of 22 per session.
“These young people could not only change their lives but become the local Olympians of our future.
“Some of the talent we’ve seen already is amazing, and we can’t wait to see what these young people can achieve with some consistent support, guidance and mentoring.”
Mr D’Brown said the program was running eight sessions a week across five locations in the northern suburbs of Brisbane, aiming to take engagement programs to where the young people were, without the requirement for travel.
QPS Youth Programs Unit Acting Inspector Lester Brooks said that youth programs like Take it to the Streets had the power to intervene at a crucial time in young people’s lives.
“Evidence shows that when disengaged or at-risk young people are engaged through programs and given the tools to change their behaviour, that their risk of reoffending or leaving school reduces.”
“This means not only a better future for our young people, but a safer community.”
“Sport has the power to connect people, and I congratulate all involved in Take it to the Streets, as we already start to see a positive influence on the young people involved.”
Take it to the Streets program details:
- Zillmere, Northside Wizards: December 17, 19 and 21. January 7, 9, 11, 14 and 16.
- Bracken Ridge State High School, Bracken Ridge: Every Wednesday from January 22 to March 12.
- North Lakes: Every Thursday from March 13 to May 1.
- Chermside: Every Thursday from May 8 to June 26.
