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Release Date: 
Friday, 5 June 2015

The City of Armadale’s Drug Aware Ignite Basketball program has launched another domestic league team this year, the Ignite Warriors.

Last year three Ignite teams competed in the Perth Redbacks league. The Ignite Warriors U17s will be competing in the southeast Storm structure.

During maintenance and repairs to the Armadale Arena, Drug Aware Ignite Basketball has been operating from the Serpentine Jarrahdale Recreation Centre with young people from Byford being invited to join the program.

Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones OAM, JP said Ignite continues to go from strength to strength with over 470 young people registered over the last three years.

“The Saturday evening sessions attract an average of 35 youngsters who are very enthusiastic and enjoy the activities, which include mini-games with skills and drills followed by an intensive full-court competition.

“The coaching clinics and personal appearances by Perth Wildcat players continue to be very popular with the young participants during the Saturday evening sessions, where they get to spend time with professional players.

“The program has already made a big impact on the lives of many young people, with three participants now employed as youth leaders on Saturday nights.

“Ignite provides our young people an outlet to play basketball and learn basic life skills and also encourages further education and training.

“Over the last few years twenty-seven Ignite participants have gained employment with their community coach or referee qualifications,” said Mayor Zelones.

Drug Aware Ignite Basketball is a full time, sport based intervention program targeted at young people involved, or at risk of becoming involved, in crime or anti-social behaviour.

The success of the Drug Aware Ignite program would not be possible without the support of Department of Sport and Recreation, WA Police Strategic Crime Prevention Division, Healthway, the Department of Child Protection and Family Support, Public Transport Authority and the Local Drug Action Group.

For more information on Drug Aware Ignite Basketball call 9399 0642 or visit www.armadale.wa.gov.au.

For more information on this topic contact:

Phone: (08) 9394 5000
Email: info@armadale.wa.gov.au

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