Earlier this year, Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School successfully applied for Sporting Schools funding. 

Sporting Schools is a $100 million federal government initiative which aims to get children committed to a lifelong love of sport.

All primary schools can apply for a grant of between $1300 and $3100 per term for up to three terms a year, to deliver Sporting Schools activity before, during or after school hours.

The Kiama school’s Physical Education teacher Kristie O'Hara said the previous grant allowed all of their students to participate in a four-week beach volleyball clinic.

Ss Peter and Paul’s gained a second sporting grant from Sporting Schools.

This again allowed them to access another experienced coach to visit the school and run a sporting program to develop the physical educational skills of students during PE lessons.

On this occasion the school opted to run a basketball clinic through Basketball NSW.

The children enjoyed the development training delivered by Jim Williams, who has more than 30 years’ coaching experience.

Each year, Ss Peter and Paul’s participate in the CPS Basketball Challenge.

This event involves all NSW Catholic primary schools attending a family-friendly tournament over a weekend in October.

Ms O'Hara said it allows students from highly skilled athletes to those with minimal experience in basketball to play in an eventful challenge.

This year the CPS Basketball Challenge is hosted by the Catholic primary schools in the Queanbeyan/Canberra area.

Ss Peter and Paul’s have already organised eight teams, including students from years 3-6, both boys and girls, to enter this tournament.

“The basketball program has been a fundamental part in developing the skills for the students to learn basic knowledge of rules and drills to be able to partake in the basketball challenge,” Ms O'Hara said.

“Each week the students look forward to mastering the skills introduced by Jim during PE lessons.

“He has noticed a considerable improvement on their dribbling and shooting ability, and also commented on the delight of the students’ attitude for learning at this school.”