On Thursday 11th March the Newham All Star Sports Academy (NASSA), in partnership with Cumberland School and the Metropolitan Police, hosted the 1st Annual Primary Schools 'Carry A Basketball Not A Blade' tournament at Newham Leisure Centre.

 

The event was an immense success with over 150 pupils from 16 Newham schools fighting for the gold medal position. Former NBA player Steve Bucknall opened the day's proceedings by sharing his personal experiences and commented on how he overcame the challenges that many young people face today. Knife crime and gang activity is one of the biggest threats to them and many NASSA players know from personal experience the devastating affects that it has on families. Bucknall encouraged all the pupils to remain motivated, work hard and make positive choices. Involvement in the 'Carry A Basketball Not A Blade' programme, he said, was a good way to develop social skills and build confidence but most importantly, it ensures that players are making the right decisions. To help deliver the message to the community Bucknall awarded all pupils their own basketball.

 

Detective Superintendent Jeannie Haggerty attended the event with officers from the Metropolitan Police. The police were involved in delivering a number of informative workshops tackling the issues of anti-social behaviour and knife crime and informing pupils of the police's role within the local community. The workshops proved popular and were an excellent platform to educate pupils on the negative affects of knife crime.

 

The level of skill and determination demonstrated by all the schools was tremendous and the event organisers were extremely impressed with the basketball techniques that the pupils displayed. However, only 4 teams could make it to the finals to battle for the ultimate prize; St. Francis, Sandringham, St Edwards and Winsor School all played some outstanding basketball to reach the semi finals.

 

After a 2 hard fought games it was Sandringham and St Edwards that went on to face each other in the final. The final proved to be a fantastic finale to an afternoon of superb basketball. At 6 baskets each the game was tied at the end of normal time. The sudden death playoff during extra time was a tense time for both teams. Sandringham primary eventually broke the deadlock and scored the decider that saw them crowned tournament champions.

 

 

Natasha Hart, NASSA Director commented that; "Today was a huge success thanks to the pupils and teachers of the schools taking part, Newham Police and Cumberland School. This tournament is not only about basketball, but about working together as a community to overcome the threat and pressure to become involved in crime and to tackle the increasing number of knife related incidents.

 

"At NASSA we believe in developing our players both on and off the court. We provide them with the essential skills to help them build stronger futures.

 

"Today's winners were presented with medals, but all of the young people who attended this event were also each given a basketball to take away as a reminder of the 'Carry A Basketball Not A Blade' message and the positive choice that they have made."