HCI holds mini basket clinic

Jan. 23 '10: HCI was this weekend at the Buduburam Settlement upon a special request by the Buduburam Basketball Association(BBA). The mini basket clinic started at 7AM local time. There were over 50 children in attendance at the clinic. The children were taken through several drills starting with defensive stance. They were than taken through ball handling, passing, rebound, shooting layups etc. Coaches of the BBA was in attendance to witness so that in the absence of the HCI team they can follow similar format in their training section. Some members of the junior BBA team also joined the drills and were thought some new skills. At the end of the basketball section, the children were talked to on the importance of education health and life skills. It was a totally successful section. HCI team took seven Spalding training balls for the clinic and donated it to the BBA after the clinic so that it may be use for the children basketball development. BBA coaches were glad for the donation stating that the lack of balls is slowing the children basketball skills. HCI s hoping to work closely with the BBA in establishing various project at the settlement. The Buduburam Settlement was open to host Liberians fleeing the civil war in the 90's. Presently the settlement is home to many nationals as well as locals.

Back 2 Basics Kids Foundation partners with Hoops Care International

Jan. 22, '10: Hoops Care International is proud to announce our newly forged partnership with Back 2 Basics Kids Foundation located in the USA. The partnership between HCI and B2B is going to greatly impact the children in Ghana, Africa. The main objective of our partnership is to improve the education, health, life style and basketball skills of children who are desperately in need. We also hope that our partnership will be a stepping stone for future projects, including a B2B-HCI educational basketball clinic in Ghana in late 2010. HCI participants are very excited after knowing that they will be having penpals from the B2B program in Atlanta. Through these penpal relationships we intend to improve our youth’s literary and computer skills. Currently, B2B has launched "Operation B2B without Borders-Ghana" starting on Saturday January 23rd, B2B will launch a 2-week fundraising campaign to begin raising $5,000 of in-kind and monetary donations, these donations will be shipped to Ghana, Africa to directly benefit the program participants of HCI. We urge all those in support of our program and projects to kindly assists in making this a reality.

Jake Sullivan - President of Kingdom Hoops visit HCI

Jan. 1, '10: Jake Sullivan - President of Kingdom Hoops, visionary for Project: Ghana visited Cape Coast along with his wife to meet the children of Hoops Care International program. The visit which was highly anticipated by the children, saw a large crowd of them in attendance awaiting Jake and Janel. Upon their arrival, Jake and Janel met with Directors of HCI to learn more about the ngo and its projects. They than left for the Cape Coast Castle briefly while things were put in motion for Jake to take the kids through some fundamental basketball drills. Upon their return 15 minutes later, the children and some junior players were taken through ball handling and foot work section. Although it was plan for an initial 30-40 mins, the mini clinic took a little over an hour as both Jake and the children were all enjoying the process. At the close of the day Jake talked to the kids about the importance of bettering their skills and informing them that they are the future of Ghana Basketball. He also told the junior players to help the children grow in the game by assisting them with the basic skills. Jake and Janel promised to work closely with HCI and the children of Ghana. At the end of the clinic a group photo was taken and thee children bid farewell to Jake and Janel. Long after they had left, the children were still on the court practicing the drills and playing pickup games among themselves. We strongly believe that the visit of Jake and Janel has greatly inspire the children and will go a long way in their life. Jake and Janel were accompany to Cape Coast by Mark Agbo of Vikings Basketball Academy in Accra.

HCI Children beach Party

Dec. 25 '09: HCI celebrated a beach party for the children in Cape Coast. It was an exciting event with the children who showed swimming and acrobatic skills on the beach. A lot of games were also played in the sand and there was laughter everywhere.

Wheel Chair basketball success

Dec. 2 '09: HCI has been training the physically disable for over two months and it all showed a success today when the HCI/Cape Coast Wheelchair Basketball Team (male and female, wearing green) defeated the teams from Takoradi. The game was also organized to celebrate the world's disable day. Many dignitaries were present, including the Regional Sports Development Officer of the Central Region, for the basketball showcase along with a huge crows who was there to cheer the home team. many in the crowd witness wheelchair basketball for the first time and were amaze with the level of skill and talents showed by the players from both sides. The theme for the day was "disability is not inability." The first game was between the female sides with the HCI/Cape Coast female team victorious. The male teams were next and the home side played excellent team work and were very confident winning easily 11-2. After the event both side had refreshment and got to know each other. HCI has included wheelchair basketball as part of its project and is hoping to help many in the community who find themselves physically challenge. See video of the men's match.

HCI gives out first scholarship

As part of its initiative to help needy children secure sound education, Ajata Iddrisu is the first girl to benefit from the HCI Scholarship Fund. Ajata who lost her father middle of the year currently live with her mother who is unable to put her through senior secondary school although she passed with flying colors her BECE. Ajata who is very active in the HCI basketball clinic received admissions from two secondary schools in Cape Coast to play basketball for the girls team but it did not cover school fees. Directors of HCI reviewed her case and decided to put her under the HCI Scholarship Fund program. Her scholarship covers tuition and fees which is renewable yearly. The scholarship is currently valued $500.00 annually.

Hoops Care International celebrates first anniversary
 

Sept. 27, '09: Hoops Care International is now one year away from its inauguration. The NGO, targeting youth empowerment through basketball, was officially founded on 27th September 2008. In the past year almost 1.000 kids have benefited from the events and clinics in Ghana, organized by HCI. The occasion was celebrated with a big party for the kids in Cape Coast. The founders are very proud of the achievements made by all the volunteers and participating kids thus far, but emphasize on the long way ahead and the great future that is ahead of us. Many challenges have been faced upon improving the youth education, social skills en health, and many more challenges will have to be faced. In the second year HCI seeks to target more schools and communities in Ghana along with the National Sports Council. At the end of 2009 HCI will organize a big fundraiser through Global Giving (www.globalgiving.com) to start its latest projects, all in the sound believe kids have the possibilities of moving the world forward. A special thanks goes out to all our supporters, volunteers and participants.

The Directors,

Mike Sperenza
Jack Whitehead
George Koomson
Claudius Thompson
Ingmar Snabilie

HCI launcehes office

Hoops Care International has officially launched its office in Cape Coast. The office which is open Monday to Friday from the hours of 9AM to 2PM is located at Number A21/3 Amaful Street. The office is to attend to volunteers,  host meetings, seminars as well as an ICT Centre to train street children in the area of computers and Internet.

Hoops Care International visits Children of Special Needs School

June 8, '09: HCI had the opportunity to run a basketball clinic for the School for children with special needs in Cape Coast. The children are mostly psychologically and physically challenged, but were nevertheless eager to learn about basketball and foremost enjoying the event.

The staffs, along with volunteers Alfred, John and Charles, took the kids through easy going but exciting basketball drills. The setting was challenging, because of the special attention the kids needed, but due to a great amount of enthusiasm from the volunteers, the kids and the schools teachers, the clinic was a major success.

After the clinic, a group picture was made and many of the kids personally thanked the volunteers for their attention. The school management stated that they anticipate another visit, since the first one was widely appreciated. HCI was happy to see the event go so well, since it is one of its objectives to attend also those with special needs.

Special thanks goes out to the volunteers, Charles, John, and Alfred. Great job!

HCI proposes to showcase its basketball program to US President Barack Obama.

May 24, '09: Hoops Care International has officially submitted a proposal to adapt an exhibition of its basketball program in President Barack Obama’s visit to Ghana. The delegation of the White House that is currently visiting Ghana is taking the proposal, along with a letter of recommendation from the National Sports Council, in consideration.

President Barack Obama is due to visit Ghana on the 10^th and 11^th of July, 2009.  The White House has already announced officially that he and his wife Michelle will visit the Cape Coast Castle as part of his stay in Ghana. This venue is chosen because of the historic value the Castle has.

The HCI home court at Victoria Park is not more than hundred meters away from the castle. Therefore a visit to the court that has been newly renovated by HCI has been proposed. Because of Obama’s personal interest in basketball and his history as a community worker we believe showcasing our program would be a great asset to his visit.

Hoops Care International to partner with National Sports Council in a nation wide basketball program.

May 24, '09: The National Sports Council of Ghana has officially invited Hoops Care International to partner with them in launching a nation wide basketball program. This program is to enhance grass root participation in basketball by training PE masters in schools and identify and develop talent.

This purpose of this program is to intensively promote and upgrade the game in Ghana. Both the Council and HCI clearly recognize the great interest in basketball in Ghana, but the lack of expertise and infrastructure has yet to be developed. Also, this new initiative is to scout talent throughout all ten regions in Ghana and launch National Teams in different age categories.

The first interactions with the Sports Council and its Chief Executive Officer Mr. Wolanyo K Agra seemed very fruitful. HCI is happy to receive this nation wide recognition and is currently occupied with planning the first phase of the program, which is a pilot in the Central Region.

The National Sports Council also pledged to provide scholarships for basketball talents to attend schools in Ghana. HCI sees this as a major achievement, since it fits so well in our objective to develop the youth through sports.

HCI participants improve school results.

All HCI participants have achieved a major improvement in terms of their educational performance.  Since the new term has just started, school results of the last term have been handed out to the children. As part of HCI’s objective to help children enhance in school, the children are to submit photocopies of their school reports to HCI Staff.

The reports have dramatically improved. Many children are now topping their class on several subjects and have very positive remarks on their attitude and conduct. HCI is very happy to witness their progression and is determined to keep motivating and helping them.

HCI holds second children birthday party

HCI holds its second children party for those born in March and April. The event which saw more than 50 kids in attendance was an exciting one. The highlight of the event was a dance battle among the boys and girls.

HCI Commemorates Basketball Court

Hoops Care International (HCI) is a NGO which seeks to promote good health, morale and education through sports. As part of its community upliftment initiatives has refurbished a basketball court in Cape Coast, Central Region at a cost of GHC5, 000.00 

The 11^th April 2009 was the official launching of the facility to the community. A special basketball event was organized between teams from Cape Coast and Takoradi to mark the event.

Attendance:

The even started with a special Under 12 exhibition match by HCI Under 12 Team A and B (mix sex), with 15 minutes per half. The thrilling match saw Team A win by 9-4. It was follow by Under 18 girls match between Hoops Queens of Cape Coast and Dreams from Takoradi. Dreams won their counterpart from Cape Coast. Before the main Under 18 boys match, the Veterans of Cape Coast had their turn against the All-Stars of Cape Coast which ended in favor of the younger All-Stars players. The climax of the day was the match between Cape Coast Hoops U18 and Western Basketball Association (WBA) U18. A three pointer buzzer beater from Dominic Clement saw the Cape Coast boys winning by two points margin. This sent the crowd in a wild jubilation.

Guest speaker of the occasion was Mr. Bredford Amui, Western Region Sports Development Officer

Videos of matches coming soon

HCI Completes Renovation of Basketball Court

April 08, '09: Many in the Cape Coast Municipality are over joy upon seeing the newly renovated basketball court located at Victoria Park. The court which was full of holes and was a hazard to kids playing on its surface is presently smooth and decent to look at. The court is presently  called Battle Ground 'ball or fall.'

The official opening of the court will be on this Saturday with the U18 boys and girls from the Western Region versus their counterparts from the Central region.

HCI Begins Computer Literacy Program for Children

Feb. 7 '09: HCI is taking further steps in educating children. This time partnering with EDEN Tech in Cape Coast to introduce the children to computer learning. EDEN Tech facility is being use for the program. In its introductory stage, 15 children has started the computer learning program and the number is expected to increase next Saturday as many has shown interest in learning about computers. The children in attendance were taken through the introduction to computers by volunteers of HCI. The children were very happy as it was the first time many had ever had access to computers. Some showed great participation as they were able to grab the materials faster than others showing that they might be the next Bill Gate. At the end of the two hours section, the children thanked HCI for giving them such opportunity and promised to complete the course which is expected to run for three months. The children will be taught every Saturday for two hours.

Progress on Court Refurbishment

Feb. 7 '09: Presently 90% of the court floor has been completed. The work is going faster than expected. many people within the Cape Coast municipality are grteful to HCI as this is the first complete refurbishment of the court for over twenty years. With the new surface been put in place, basketball and other sports are expected to boost within Cape Coast

HCI begin Refurbishment of Victoria's Park Court

Jan. 28 '09: HCI is once again in the news. This time refurbishing the Victoria's Park court which has been in a deplorable state for twenty plus odd years. The park which is in the central of the Cape Coast Municipality is an ideal spot for youth to meet and play. Upon completion the court is expected to draw a lot of youth in the following sporting event: basketball, tennis, volleyball, handball netball, etc. Presently there is no external help as in the form of finance coming in for the project which is expected to cost over $3,000.00 for a complete overhauling which will also include installing new basketball posts. Most youth and HCI volunteers are very excited about this new development in the municipality and are hoping that it will bring the much needed development and talent hunt. Calls go out to corporate bodies to be a part of this so that we can move the youth of Cape Coast in the positive direction. If you are interested in being a part of this project or extending it in your community, kindly contact us through our contact page.

More Children Benefit from Recycle Shoes

HCI U12 Boys and Girls Square Off

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jan. 23 '09: After just over two months of basketball fundamental training some children in the Cape Coast municipality achieved through the HCI daily basketball clinic at the Victoria's park, they were drown into two teams of A and B in order to test their rediness in the game of basketball. The match which drew a large crowd of onlookers did not fail to entertain those in attendance. From jump-ball to the end of the game the children showed their skills and talents which were judge by all as above expectation. Team A won their counterparts 16-10. After the event the children ego were high as they pledge to continue on their training with the HCI volunteers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HCI Distributes Writing Materials

Jan. 21 '09: HCI has taken a further step in its Reading Program by encouraging creative writing. This became necessary after it was notice that the children were rewriting the stories they were reading from books at the library. It was than decided that the children should be creative and write their own fiction or real life experiences. They were also told to go the further mile by writing poems and scripts for children plays. We will at time to time publish on this website the writings of the children. The children upon receiving the exercise books were very excited and thanked HCI for their kind gesture. After the distribution a short challenge was held in mathematics, spellings and current event. HCI volunteers were astonished to see that some of the kids could calculate difficult problems mentally before the thirty seconds given to solve a math problem. We at HCI urge them to continue in this way as they are surely the future leaders.

HCI Begins Reading Project

Jan. 13 '09: As part of its mission in promoting education, HCI has started its reading project in helping kids develop the habit of reading. In its pioneer stage, children of the daily HCI Basketball Clinic are divided into three groups, namely Group A, B and C. Group A comprises of kids who are older and advance in their basketball fundamentals. They range from ages 10-12. Group B comprises of kids of the same age group but are yet to reach the developmental stage of their peers in Group A whilst Group C comprises of children below 10 years old. A day is set aside for each Group to visit the Cape Coast library while the other two groups go through their basketball fundamentals at the Victoria's Park. Each group visit the library twice a week. Most children come to the library after changing from their school uniforms and spend a further two hours at the library. They are help by the librarian in choosing the right children books according to their ages. The children themselves also help each other in reading and understanding what is read. This cooperation among the children is a dream come true as it is a first time experience for most of them. At the end of each library section the children are given talks on health matters and issues pertaining to the right as a child. We will be glad to receive any donation of children books and videos to help these kids. Contact us for your donation from our contact page.

HCI distributes recycle shoes

Dec. 28 '08: As part of its project, HCi has distributed recycled shoes to some of the children in its daily basketball clinic which is held in Cape Coast. Since the program began in November, the number of children has increase on a daily basis and presently there are over thirty registered with HCI. Over 90% of these children do not have basketball shoes and therefore play bare footed. This makes it impossible for drills involving rapid movement as HCI volunteers are concern not wanting the children to sustain injuries from an already bad court surface.  An initial 16 pairs of recycled basketball shoes has been given to the first set of children. HCI is seeking further funding or donated basketball shoes. We are estimating an initial 200 pairs for the growing number of children at the daily clinic and those we will meet at basic schools beginning in February of 2009.

HCI receives donated basketballs

Dec. 27 08: Fayola Cairo, a Dutch female basketball player, donated ten size 5 basketballs to HCI. Fayola, who made contact with HCI before coming to Ghana was told that some of the challenges being face by HCI was not having the right size balls for kids when basic schools are visited and also with the increase in numbers of children at the daily HCI clinic which is held at the Victoria's park in Cape Coast it deem necessary to have regular size balls for the kids. She lived up to her promise of donating and initial ten balls to the program. Fayola is volunteering in Ghana and will be meeting with the kids to also talk to them and show them some basic fundamental basketball skills. She also pledge to send the remaining ten which she could not bring due to excess luggage. She also promise to try in getting at least ten pairs of new basketball shoes for the children. Since the arrival of the balls, the children skills have increase dramatically as they now train with the official size for their age category. We hope other kind-hearted people out there will follow her example in promoting sport, health and education for these kids.

Salvation Keep-fit Club collaborates with HCI

Dec. 13 '08: Presently in Cape Coast, a lot of clubs are being form for the sole purpose of exercise routine. These clubs meet once a week, most of them on Sundays and do long distance jogging. Some incorporate sporting activities, mostly soccer during their exercise section. Therefore also giving rise to the Salvation Keep-fit Club, but they have gone the extra mile by having a youth only wing of the club known as the 'the Great Youngsters.' This wing comprises of children ranging from ages three to thirteen. The youth wing meets every Saturday for their section and presently HCI is collaborating by showing the kids basic basketball fundamentals at the end of their morning jogging section. They are also thought life skills and health related issues. The children look forward to their basketball fundamental each Saturday and their number is increasing on a weekly basis. The care taker of this wing is Madam Alice and she can be reach on +233-245246803

HCI Clinic with Philip Quaque Boys School

On the 14th of November 2008, Philip Quaque Boys School in Cape Coast was host to HCI. The students were very glad to see members of HCI during their normal physical education period. Over thirty boys were in attendance and they were taken through some basic fundamental basketball drills in stance and passing. The clinic was concluded with a short health talk on how to live a better healthy lifestyle. Students who for the first time experiencing basketball showed great skills and the HCI team was very glad and told them they will be back. Some of the boys promised to be showing up at the Victoria's Park to be a part of the daily clinics.

Nov. 02 '08: Ingmar, the Dutch Youth coach will be leading the Central Regional basketball 16U team to this year regional sports festival which is to be held in Takoradi, in the Western Region. Ingmar and the boys departed Cape Coast, today the 2nd of November for the three days event. The team has been training hard for this encounter and we at HCI wish them well. We will update you on their progress at the sport festival. More info on the festival will be release as it comes in.

HCI host basketball clinic with Wesley Girls Basic School

Oct. 17 '08: HCI Team today visited the Wesley Girls Basic School in Cape Coast. The girls of the school were excited upon seeing the HCI volunteers who took them through several basketball drills and exercises. At the end of the event, they were given health talk. The visit which coincided with the Global Hand Washing Day saw the kids shown the proper ways of washing hands and the importance of keeping their hands clean at all times. The headmistress of the school thanked the HCI team and said their school was open for further visits.