This weekend, the Big Barrel Hawks are calling on fans to back a cause that brings the spirit of sport to life—basketball for all.
At their home game this Saturday 28 June, the Hawks will welcome members from Disability Sport and Recreation Hawke’s Bay (DSRHB) who will be collecting cash donations to help fund inclusive sport programmes across the region.
This is not a new connection. For the past two years, the Hawks have worked alongside DSRHB to run annual skills sessions and player visits, creating inclusive opportunities for locals with disabilities to connect with the sport—and with some of their local heroes.
One of the strongest champions of this kaupapa is Luis Douglas, a member, participant and volunteer coach with DSRHB. A passionate baller himself, Luis has become a role model for others living with disability, encouraging young people to get involved in the game he loves.
“When I started in October, Luis met with me in my first week to say we have to have basketball,” says Brandon Clark, Community Sport Coordinator of DSRHB. “He has experience with mixed ability sports and seen the power of those. We want to see mixed-ability teams, where disability isn’t a barrier or a separator—it’s just another part of the game. When people play together, perspectives shift. Luis envisioned this to be an opportunity for all abilities. That’s where we came up with basketball for all.”
DSRHB is a growing community-based non-profit focused on breaking down barriers so people with disabilities can fully participate in sport and recreation. From one-on-one support to adaptive equipment and inclusive programming, they’re helping make sport more accessible—one game at a time for their 100 members.
“This work is about more than sport,” says Clark. “It’s about inclusion, identity, and being part of something bigger. And when a club like the Big Barrel Hawks backs that, it shows our community what leadership looks like.”
Big Barrel Hawks General Manager Jarrod Kenny says the club is proud to stand with DSRHB. Fresh off the back of the latest session seeing 20 members of the organisation test their skills through drills with the Hawks.
“We’re proud to partner with an organisation making such a meaningful impact. Everyone deserves a shot on the court,” says Kenny.
Fans attending Saturday’s game are encouraged to bring cash and give generously to support the cause.
