Play ball on the street

Sport on the street: what would usually be an unlikely match is now a reality with Sport Manawatu’s streetball event, on Church Street, Saturday May 31 from 10am.

Part of Church Street beside the Skate Park will be closed off to accommodate the streetball competition, which, “is similar to basketball but with less rules,” says event organiser, Kathy McMillian.

Brendan Pongia, as guest MC, will find out if his former Tall Black days and Dancing with the Star’s move can translate onto the streets as he battles local Jet’s players.

Miss McMillian says streetball is a popular game worldwide, with some cities in the United States organising streetball programs, such as midnight basketball, as a way for young people to keep out of trouble.

“We want the youth in our region to come and have a go at streetball, it’s fun, easy and has hardly any rules to learn, you can play it anywhere as long as you have a hoop!”

The streetball competition is part of Sport Manawatu’s “Takin it 2 the Streetz” event which will showcase a variety of activities for youth to try, including skateboarding and krumping. Doughboy Records will be performing at the event, with guest appearances from top skaters and Chey Ataria and Sean Cupples.

“We want to show youth that you don’t have to do mainstream activities to be active, there’s so many other way’s like krumping and hip hop which you can do with your mates – and on Saturday you can try them all for free,” says Miss McMillian.

Takin it 2 the streetz will run from 10am to 3pm at the Skate Park on Railway Land in Palmerston North. Head to www.sportmanawatu.org.nz  or phone 357 5349 for more information.