As the Canterbury Rams look to defend their national basketball league title, they're also out in the community - helping run a weekly programme for disabled youth in Canterbury.
"I've always enjoyed helping young kids," said Rams player Max Darling. "So helping kids with a disability is nothing different. I love these guys."
The programme, which runs every Sunday in term time, aims to support young people with disabilities with the significant barriers they face when accessing mainstream activities, like sports.
Delivered by Youthtown, Canterbury Basketball help support it - with Canterbury Rams and Mainland Pouakai players volunteering their time.
"From when they first come in the door for their first session, to them all cheering each other on, encouraging each other, organising catch ups and play dates outside of the programme," said Youthtown team leader, Mal Grey.
"We kinda have to let them loose sometimes when they're too hard to control," joked Darling.
By learning basic skills and drills, it's helping them with their mental health, emotional regulation, structure and routine - as well as overall well-being. And in some cases, it's seen participants join mainstream basketball clubs throughout Canterbury.
"This is number one for the Rams," said Darling when asked what it means to be able to give back.
"We're trying to get all the guys at games and these guys come along and watch our games.
"We see them, we sign what they want - giving back to our community means a lot," he said.
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