She shoots, she scores and she celebrates with a hilarious dance that keeps a smile on everyone’s face – especially hers.
When it comes to basketball training Holly gives it everything she’s got and more as part of the Benalla All Abilities Basketball Team.
She’s one of dozens of players who heads to the home of the Benalla Breakers every week to train with the coaches, develop their skills and socialise with their teammates.
The All Abilities squad features players living with various disabilities and allows them to play community sport in a safe, friendly and competitive environment.
The training has been hugely successful for the team after they recently travelled to Bendigo for their first ever game which resulted in a fantastic win against the Bendigo Braves all ability side.
It’s still early days for the club but their popularity has soared in Benalla and surrounding Victorian communities.
Recently APM provided Team Tops, APM Caps, drink bottles and sunnies.
Their popularity follows the recent movie ‘Champions’ which features a similar all abilities basketball squad having a profound impact on their coach, played by Woody Harrelson, and their community.
Coach Shane Richardson says they have a great spirit and some skilled players and they hope to compete in more events soon.
APM Employment Services, which supports people with disability into lasting employment through its offices in Benalla and nearby Wangaratta, is the uniform sponsor for the team.
Business Manager Janelle Dinnie from APM said the basketball club is a fantastic opportunity for young people with disability to join in with a local sport.
“The club has been incredibly popular and you can see how much it means to the players who come here every week and take part,” Janelle said.
“They get so much out of it and it’s a real way to engage in their local community. We’re so proud to support them and we look forward to seeing the team in action soon.”
You can find out more about Benalla All Abilities Basketball Team at benallaba.tidyhq.com.
The sponsorship is part of a series of community events and sports initiatives supporting by APM across the country.
Others include APM’s national shirt-sponsorship of Australia’s Hockeyroos, the APM SANFL Inclusive League for Aussie Rules footy in South Australia, the Toyota Wheelchair AFL National Championship and inclusive football, soccer and volleyball clubs in Western Australia.