Jayell Ford has funded the purchase of 137 new playing singlets, ensuring that the club now has enough uniforms for all male and female grades, from Prep through to adults.
The contribution is a game-changer for the community, allowing more young players to participate in organised sports and fostering a love for basketball.
Basketball has a rich history in Kyabram, dating back to the 1950s when games were played on asphalt courts at Kyabram Secondary College.
The sport flourished in the area, with an association that included teams from Kyabram, Tongala, and Rushworth.
However, about 15 years ago, the association dissolved when a committee could not be formed, coinciding with the construction of the Kyabram Sports and Entertainment Centre, a two-court stadium.
In recent years, Kyabram Youth Club has taken up the challenge of reviving basketball in the community.
The club has received tremendous support from local businesses in recent years, who have sponsored playing singlets.
Unfortunately, many of these singlets were not returned.
To prevent future losses, the club now collects the singlets after each match and launders them for the players.
Jayell Ford's generous donation aligns with the Ford motor company's broader support for the sport, as the company is a major sponsor of the Australian basketball team.
They have partnered with Basketball Australia, providing significant sponsorship to the Boomers, Opals, and the Ford Aussie Hoops program.
The dealership's initiative demonstrates its commitment to nurturing local talent and supporting community sports programs.
The new singlets not only provide a sense of unity and pride for the players, but also ease the financial burden on families.
Kyabram Youth Club is grateful for all the past and present support, as it continues its mission to regrow basketball in Kyabram.
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