CHESHIRE Jets basketball legend James Hamilton and current player Shawn Myers have launched a schools programme to combat bullying.
Athletes Against Bullying (AAB) is aimed at schools and designed to equip young people with the confidence and skills to combat bullying without resorting to physical confrontations.
They also provide support and advice for teachers and parents to help them support children through what can be difficult situations for all involved.
Speaking at the launch of AAB, attended by Lord Mayor of Chester Cllr Eleanor Johnson, retired 6ft 7in forward James, who captained the Cheshire Jets for many years, said he was inspired to start the venture by children he met while with the Jets.
“On school visits the one thing that came up again and again was bullying,” he said. “Kids would ask us if we had been bullied, thinking because we were big athletic guys that we probably weren’t.
“But in fact we all were bullied. I was picked on, Shawn was picked on and it was tough.
“Often adults don’t know how to help young people and young people don’t want to ask for help.”
AAB is run by the duo but players from other sports are part of the programme.
To request details of the AAB programme, email Jham2121@hotmail.com.
