Throughout Term 4 Canberra Capitals players Maddi Rocci and Abby Cubillo, ran basketball training sessions for St Clare’s students, organised by Tony Plunkett, Senior Child Protection Officer for Catholic Education and Head Coach of ACT Elite basketball team, the Canberra Gunners. The sessions were held on Wednesday mornings in the newly refurbished gymnasium at St Clare’s College in Griffith. Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development, Yvette Berry, visited during one of the workshops, taking time to chat with the students and with Principal, Brad Cooney. Minister Berry was impressed with the initiative and the improved facilities.

The St Clare’s College gymnasium, named after St Clare’s past Principal, Helen Sheedy (1988 to 1992) was originally opened in 1993. This year saw some significant improvements to the facility including  new state-of-the-art flooring, automatic doors and updates to the changerooms. In the new year, the gym will be fitted with a retractable grandstand, increasing the seating capacity by 500.

Students were challenged by the Canberra Capitals to build their basic offensive, defensive and shooting skills and gained insight into the hard work and dedication it takes to become an elite athlete.

“The sessions developed from discussions between Principal, Brad Cooney and myself around his desire to provide avenues for students to be in contact with young female role models,” said Tony. “Brad saw basketball as an excellent opportunity to do this knowing that he had a number of students who currently play in ACT Basketball junior competitions and representative programs.”

Principal Brad Cooney was grateful to the Canberra Capitals for mentoring the students throughout the basketball sessions. “The students' skills definitely improved over the course of 10 weeks with expert guidance provided by Abby Cubillo and Maddison Rocci,” he said. “The amazing opportunities that St Clare's College offers in the academic, sporting and arts fields gives our students the ability to grow in all dimensions of their life.”