Patriots are involved in BBL's new healthy lifestyle initiative

THE British Basketball League, involving the Plymouth City Patriots, has launched its Ambassadors programme, which will see players and staff across the league promote the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle to thousands of school children in local communities across the UK.

- STUART JAMES

The project has been launched as part of the BBL's 'Inspires' initiative, where key members of each of the league's 10 clubs will visit schools in their local community to tell their stories about their pathway to becoming a professional athlete.

There will be an emphasis on how participating in sports like basketball benefits youngsters' physical health but also the positive influence it has on their mental wellbeing. The sessions will also highlight how sport plays a role in tackling various societal issues and how the next generation hold the power to be trailblazers for social change.

Some of the key topics covered in the sessions will include their personal career journeys, the importance of sport and education as well as the benefits of being physically active. Maintaining good mental health will also be emphasised and players will discuss the importance of being respectful and understanding of societal differences. Above all, the club ambassadors will look to inspire the next generation of young people within their respective communities.