Students at Hunter Sports High were treated to “something special” last week when a vital member of the Illawarra Hawks swooped into their school.
And, as an extra bonus, the basketball program pupils had the chance to see the NBL championship trophy up close and personal, too, creating plenty of excitement on campus.
Illawarra recently secured the 2025 title after derailing Melbourne United in the final, following three victories – 102-100, 80-71 and 114-104 – in the five-game series.
It capped off a record-breaking season, with the Hawks bringing the silverware back to their region for the first time in 24 years.
The triumphant squad will be presented the key to the city by Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown as well.
But, on this occasion in Gateshead, Illawarra assistant coach Matt Flinn delivered a mental fitness and wellbeing session to local youngsters, along with a skills clinic, as part of the Hawks Helps program.
The initiative is being delivered in regional NSW in partnership with Greater Bank.
“It was terrific to see the Hawks Helps program, which focuses on mental fitness in schools, including inclusion and empowerment, and support for First Nations communities, in Lake Macquarie,” NGM Group head of community and sustainability Kirrah McClelland said.
“It gave students at Hunter Sports High – particularly those in the basketball set-up – an incredible opportunity to learn from one of the country’s top sporting clubs.
“The guidance and encouragement from someone like Matt (Flinn) will stay with these pupils well beyond the day.
“It’s the kind of experience that can shape how they approach challenges both on and off the court.”
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