“What inspired you to start playing basketball?”

When we visit our schools with our inspirational Ambassadors, the students often have lots of questions to ask them, not only about their sport but also about their lifestyle, diet and routines that the students can also implement into their own lives. We were delighted to join the staff and students at Oundle CE Primary School, for a fantastic basketball programme with amazing Marko Backovic, who spent the afternoon with the students talking all about the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle and teaching them a few new basketball skills too.

Marko started the afternoon at Oundle CE Primary School, with an inspirational presentation, talking all about his incredible sporting journey, and his experiences of the highs and the lows, which he now uses to inspire the next generation. Marko then went on to explain how a healthy balanced diet has helped him on his journey and also the importance of going to bed early and getting enough rest!

After this inspirational presentation, Marko led two basketball coaching sessions with the students, where he challenged them to test their hand-eye coordination and keep their head up when dribbling the ball.

The students loved these sessions with Marko and listened really well to Marko’s instructions during their time with him.

The students at Oundle CE Primary School asked Marko some great questions throughout their programme with him, including;

What inspired you to play basketball?

Who is your favourite player to play against?

What made you successful at your sport?

When did you start playing basketball?

What position do you play?

Did you have to drink a lot of water?

What gave you the confidence to play basketball?

We had a brilliant afternoon with the students at Oundle CE Primary School and we look forward to visiting them again soon with another of our inspirational Ambassadors.

Thank you for inviting #TeamMintridge and Marko to your school!

If you know of a young person who is looking to join a local basketball club, have a look at the clubs below which are close to Oundle.

Kettering Phoenix Baskteball Club Tresham College Kettering Campus, Windmill Ave, Kettering NN15 6ER

Northants Basketball Club 182 Spinney Hill Rd, Spinney Hill, Northampton NN3 6DG

If you are interested in a virtual or physical Programme with Marko Backovic or any of our other inspirational Ambassadors, then please get in touch via the Mintridge website at www.mintridgefoundation.org.uk or with Katie at katie@mintridge.org.uk.

The Mintridge Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to enhancing life skills in young people through sport. We provide a support network for young people by harnessing the power of positive sporting role models. The Mintridge Foundation assists young people of all ages, abilities, and physical capabilities to develop confidence and resilience, and creates awareness of the importance of mental and physical wellbeing through sport.

Our team of Ambassadors - Olympians, Paralympians and other professional sports stars from over 20 sports, both team and individual - work with young people in schools, clubs and academies across the UK. Starting with visits including assemblies, coaching clinics and classroom sessions tailored to each organisation’s requirements, our ambassadors can then provide one- on- one remote mentoring in a safeguarded environment, delivered via technology such as FitSwarm and Playwaze to build a lasting legacy for individuals.

The Mintridge Foundation’s successes demonstrate the incredible power of sport; from a mentee’s selection to represent Great Britain in their chosen field to enabling disabled children to find confidence and happiness just through participation. Understanding life after sport, we also support our Ambassadors in their transition from active sport to the next stage of their careers.

To find out more about the Mintridge Foundation, please contact Alex Wallace.

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