Stephen Mosley, MP for Chester, received a masterclass from Team GB basketball stars this week during a special event in Parliament to promote the sport.
The MP, a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Basketball, met Great Britain men’s captain Drew Sullivan and women’s national team star Johannah Leedham, who were on hand to show him some new ball skills.
As well as raising awareness of the recent successes of the national teams, the event highlighted the potential of basketball to turn around the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Mr Mosley said: “Chester has a fantastic history of basketball with Cheshire Phoenix really putting our city and its basketball on the map.
“It’s been great to attend today’s event, hear about the success of UK basketball and pick up some tips on shooting hoops!
“It’s clear there’s a huge amount of untapped potential in the UK for basketball to flourish both at the elite levels and in communities across the country.
“What’s more, it’s an opportunity to reach out to and boost the aspirations of young people from each and every background.
“I hope we can encourage everybody who has never given basketball a go before to get involved. I learned today what fun it can be and know young and old from across Chester will love it if they give it a go.”
Joannah Leedham, who plays at the highest level of the women’s game in EuroLeague Women with Tango Bourges Basket, said: “For me, basketball is a chance to give focus and direction, especially when young people encounter challenges in everyday life. It encourages discipline and structure, as well as being a precious outlet for releasing energy.
“Basketball did all of this for me while also being a means to develop my social and leadership skills. Basketball has given me opportunities and a life I could never have even imagined and without it, I really have no idea where I might have been today.”
