In line with Thanda’s mission, our basketball program seeks to provide the children of Umtwalume with the knowledge and self-confidence they need to deal with and overcome the harsh realities they face daily. Thanda’s basketball coach uses a disciplined approach to teach his young athletes responsibility and respect. On the court, this requires a dedicated work ethic, clear communication, and collaboration. Off the court, students learn to translate these values and skills to their everyday lives so they can improve their personal situations and help their communities. As with the rest of Thanda’s sports activities, the basketball program provides vulnerable children with a safe and reliable social outlet along with a healthy dose of physical fitness. After receiving a meal each day after school, our basketball students participate in conditioning exercises, learn new techniques, and practice playing the game with each other during hour-long practice sessions. When members of the basketball team are not on the court, they are getting help with their homework or discussing how to handle the oftentimes difficult issues they deal with outside school. Through this balanced approach, Thanda’s sports programs address the mental, social, emotional, psychological, and physical needs of each individual athlete. We have noticed that, as our athletes advance in their knowledge and appreciation of the sport, basketball becomes part of their identities. They feel pride about playing basketball, and they see this sport as something that is uniquely theirs, something that cannot be taken away from them.
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