North Wales MS backs basketball as force for inclusion and health
North Wales Member of the Senedd Carolyn Thomas has hailed basketball as one of Wales’ fastest-growing and most inclusive sports, following an event in the Senedd to launch Basketball Wales’ new national strategy.
The event, sponsored by Ms Thomas, brought together Members of the Senedd, Welsh Government Ministers and representatives from Basketball Wales to showcase the sport’s growth and its potential to improve health, inclusion and community life.
Carolyn Thomas said: “Basketball is one of the most inclusive sports and brings people together from all backgrounds. A young person can turn up at a local park to shoot a few hoops and before long, others are joining in. It’s great for physical and mental health – and in the Senedd, we heard inspiring stories about the positive impact the sport is having on people’s lives.”
Participation in basketball has surged across Wales, with Sport Wales’ School Sport Survey showing that half of all children in Wales play basketball. More than 100,000 young people want more opportunities to play.
The survey also found that basketball is the most in-demand sport for girls, non-white children, and those receiving free school meals, and the second most popular sport for children with disabilities.
Carolyn added: “Basketball for girls has increased by 90% – and I’ve seen first-hand how the sport has grown in recent years thanks to the passion of volunteers, board members, and staff at Basketball Wales. Thanks to Welsh Government funding through Sport Wales, we’re seeing fantastic new outdoor facilities being developed too.”
Basketball Wales’ new national strategy sets out an ambitious vision to expand participation, improve facilities and strengthen the sport’s infrastructure across the country.
Despite the rapid growth, Ms Thomas said further investment was needed to meet demand and ensure the sport’s continued development.
“Wales is the only nation in the UK without a national basketball centre,” she said. “We want to see the creation of two – one here in North Wales – to serve as hubs for training, competitions, and community events. I’ll be writing to local authorities to explore how existing facilities could be adapted, or new ones created.”
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