April 30th, 2025 — South Oakleigh
In a slam dunk move for youth development, the Raptors Basketball Club and South Oakleigh College have teamed up to launch an exciting new initiative aimed at inspiring and empowering the leaders of tomorrow, on and off the court.
The two local institutions recently announced a dynamic partnership through the introduction of a Basketball Program Day, a special event designed to engage students with the game, build leadership skills, and foster a sense of community through sport.
The Basketball Program Day formed part of South Oakleigh College’s Year 8 Alternate Program, the Curiosity Quest: Knowledge Conquers All—a three-day experience designed to broaden students' horizons beyond the traditional classroom.
The first of the Program Days was held on the school grounds and delivered a fun-filled, high-energy experience. Students participated in skills clinics, team challenges, and inspiring leadership talks from coaches and role models from community sporting teams. It was more than just shooting hoops—it was about building confidence, teamwork, and resilience.
“This wasn’t just about basketball,” said Salvatore Crivelli, President of the Raptors Basketball Club. “It was about using sport as a vehicle to connect, inspire, and develop young people into passionate, capable leaders. We were thrilled to work hand-in-hand with the college to create something truly meaningful for these students.”
The Sports Outreach Round Robin was coordinated by Ashley Aylen, Interschool Sports Coordinator, and Stephanie Heppel, Year 8 Year Level Coordinator at South Oakleigh College, who both played a key role in bringing the program to life.
Ashley Aylen praised the partnership, adding, “Sport is a universal language that teaches resilience, communication, and leadership. Giving students the chance to experience this in such a vibrant, supportive setting was something truly special.”
Stephanie Heppel also reflected on the day, saying, “Our students were buzzing with excitement. This was exactly the kind of opportunity that showed them what’s possible when community and education come together with purpose.”
Both partners hope this will be just the beginning of a longer-term collaboration, with future events and ongoing engagement already being explored.
For now, students and coaches alike are celebrating an unforgettable day of action, inspiration, and community spirit.
Because when you invest in young people, the whole community wins!
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