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Oxford Partnership to rescue Ladies Basketball in Oxfordshire
Released on 24 Sep 2008
Oxford City Council, St Clare's, Oxford and d'Overbroeck's College have teamed up to save one of Oxfordshire's three ladies basketball teams.
In a bid to recruit more players to Oxford PHOENIX Basketball team, the three local organisations are offering free court hire and coaching to all female athletes over 14 years old.
The team have been training and playing at Ferry Sports Centre, in Summertown since April 2007 and despite efforts to play in league games last season, the decline in local competition is putting the sport of women's basketball in jeopardy.
Training sessions for Oxford PHOENIX are held on Fridays between 5 - 6.45pm at Ferry Sports Centre. They are the only public sessions for Ladies Basketball in Oxfordshire.
Anyone who is interested is welcome to join in. For further information, please call Ferry Sports Centre on 01865 467060.
Basketball volunteer and enthusiast Peter Egawhary, Chairman of Oxford HOOPS Basketball Club and team manager for Oxford PHOENIX, says: "The Oxfordshire & Chilterns Women's basketball Local League was, at one point, running the risk of reducing down to only two teams this season. In other words, very nearly no league at all, especially when one considers that around 30 years ago the League featured teams from over 14 local Clubs based in and around Oxfordshire.
"This is why the success of the Oxford City PHOENIX Ladies basketball team is of such paramount importance.
"Any help in terms of press coverage to safeguard the future of women's basketball in the city would be most appreciated."
Councillor Bob Timbs, City Executive Board Member for Leisure and Sport, says: "Oxford City Council are very pleased to support Oxford PHOENIX in their quest for new members. We always like to see more people getting active, joining in with sports in the city and making full use of our leisure facilities.
"Basketball is a marvellous team sport which can be played all year round. It is also a good way to make new friends, especially if students have just moved to Oxford and are looking for sports clubs to join."
Paula Holloway, Principal of St. Clare's, says: "I am very happy for the College to be involved in this project and would encourage young women to come to the next training session and see for themselves what a great game basketball is."
Sami Cohen, Principal of d'Overbroeck's College, says: "We're delighted to be sponsoring this worthwhile initiative. Not only is this an opportunity for us to support a resource about which many of our students are enthusiastic; it's also a chance to contribute to the community at large."
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Copyright © Oxford City Council 2008
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