Public basketball court opens at Showfield Park in Royal Wootton Bassett

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 06:01 · Archive

A public basketball court has opened at Showfield Park in Royal Wootton Bassett, located next to the outdoor gym. The court was officially opened on 15 October by the Mayor of Royal Wootton Bassett during a plaque unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Students from Royal Wootton Bassett Academy's basketball team were invited to be the first to use the new surface. The town council funded the facility, which is designed for public use and aims to promote physical activity among young people in the area.

Anita Ellis, headteacher at the academy, said the facility was 'a great thing for the school and the community'. She noted that students cannot always access school facilities during summer and other school holidays, making the court valuable for out-of-hours use. She added that the facility 'helps with their fitness' and that 'just being able to get out and play together is so important for their physical and mental health'.

Thebe Blackie, known as Coach T, coaches the academy's basketball team and welcomed the new facility. He said: 'This is great for the sport of basketball, which is growing in popularity, and for the students who now can practice their game more.' He emphasised that basketball 'teaches players so much more' and is 'about teamwork and managing resilience in themselves'. As a former student at the academy, Blackie noted that such facilities were not available during his time there.

How it is being reported

• Public basketball court opens at Showfield Park for Royal Wootton Bassett youngstersA new public basketball court has opened to give young people more opportunities to play outside of school hoursSwindon Advertiser · 17 Oct, 05:00
• Public basketball court opens at Showfield Park for Royal Wootton Bassett youngstersA new public basketball court has opened to give young people more opportunities to play outside of school hoursThis Is Wiltshire · 17 Oct, 05:00
• Public basketball court opens at Showfield Park for Royal Wootton Bassett youngstersA new public basketball court has opened to give young people more opportunities to play outside of school hoursGazette & Herald · 17 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Royal Wootton Bassett · Showfield Park · Royal Wootton Bassett Academy · Anita Ellis · Thebe Blackie

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