Young basketball enthusiasts in the borough were given a treat by Elmbridge Council this month, when they were taken to watch Great Britain take on Israel at the O2 Arena in North Greenwich.

The 19 youngsters, accompanied by the Elmbridge sports development team, had recently taken part in basketball player Cory McGee’s Basketball Academy, run in conjunction with the council’s Shout!

activity project.

They attended the game on Saturday, August 15, which Israel won 79-69.

The council hopes the project will build links between schools and the Elmbridge Basketball Club, which trains at the Xcel Leisure Complex in Walton on Mondays, between 6pm to 7pm, and Saturdays, between 10am and 11am.

Councillor Jan Fuller, portfolio holder for leisure and cultural services at the council, said: “Attending a high profile basketball game at the 02 Arena on Saturday was a wonderful and inspiring experience for the 19 young people.

“This is a truly great end to the current basketball project and we hope it will encourage even more young people to play the game.”

For further information on basketball in the borough, contact the council’s sports development officer on 01372 474581 or email leisure@elmbridge.gov.uk.

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