Anonymous
Years ago
Salisbury's Midnight Basketball in doubt
THE future of a basketball program used by hundreds of Salisbury youths is under a cloud after police withdrew their support for it.
SA Police's community arm, Blue Light Inc, has told Salisbury Council it will not provide officers to help run the popular Midnight Basketball at Parafield Gardens Community Centre beyond the next tournament in May.
Police officers had provided mentoring, coaching, security and transport for youths taking part.
Blue Light Inc vice president Sgt Colleen Hilditch did not give a reason why support had been cut.
The 10-week program features basketball games, life skills coaching and other activities from 7.30pm-midnight for 12-18 year olds.
It costs about $42,000 a year to run, $25,000 of which comes from the State Government.
Midnight Basketball Australia’s Tess White, who is based in Sydney, said the Salisbury program was the most successful Midnight Basketball group in Australia.
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/north-northeast/salisbury-councils-midnight-basketball-program-in-doubt-after-sa-police-walk-out/story-fni9ll1r-1226840795369
