Students from Royal Wootton Bassett Academy have become the first to play basketball on a brand-new sports court in the town, which is now open for everyone to enjoy.
The new public facility at Showfield Park, next to the outdoor gym, was officially opened by the town’s mayor on Thursday 15 October, with a plaque unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Members of the academy’s basketball team were invited to try out the new court, which has been funded by the town council and will provide a welcome space for young people to enjoy sport outside school hours.
Anita Ellis, Headteacher at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, said, “This is a great thing for the school and the community which we are very much a part of. It’s fantastic that the town council has been able to fund this, which will benefit all.
“Our students aren’t always able to access the school and its facilities during summer and other school holidays, so it’s great for them to have somewhere to go outside of school times. It also helps with their fitness – just being able to get out and play together is so important for their physical and mental health.”
Thebe Blackie, also known as Coach T, coaches the students at the academy and welcomed the new facility as an opportunity to encourage more young people to take up basketball.
“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 said. “The sport also teaches players so much more. It’s about teamwork and managing resilience in themselves.
“I am a former student at the academy and we never had this – this is mind blowing, so good to see for today’s students.”
The new basketball court is open to the public at Showfield Park, Royal Wootton Bassett.
