City of Birmingham Rockets Basketball would like to extend a massive thank you to everyone who came along and supported our incredibly successful open day event on Saturday.
The facility was used by over 200 players throughout the day, whilst live entertainment and an engaged audience set the stage for a memorable day for everyone involved with the club.
Fly Entertainment created an incredible atmosphere throughout the day alongside live performances from SMaverick0121 and Alex James.
The incredible support we received from 2K Foundations and Birmingham City Council ensured the smooth running of this project, whilst we would also like to extend a thank you to our suppliers Sport Serve, Dynamik Flooring and Hussey Bleecher Seating.
We were delighted to be able to welcome a host of guest speakers to the event, including Basketball England CEO Stewart Kellett, Birmingham CG 22 Vice-Chair Geoff Thompson and Sport England Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Viveen Taylor.
A host of committed volunteers and club staff ensured the smooth running of the event which was supplemented by a fantastic turnout from the local community.
Basketball England have been incredibly supportive of the project throughout, recognising the potential it has to stimulate the growth of basketball in the region.
Speaking at the event, Basketball England CEO Stewart Kellett said: “Today is an amazing day for this club because these kinds of days don’t happen very often in basketball.
“It is a great day for the players, the fans and the club. The work of the volunteers and the coaches have helped get the club to this point.
“Basketball, as we know, changes lives. Everyone in this room today counts, because what you do as a part of this club changes people’s lives.
“With the Commonwealth Games coming up in 2022 there will be England men and women’s teams coming to Birmingham which will help to inspire the next generation to play basketball.
“This facility will offer more opportunities from grassroots right through to the top end of the sport so congratulations because every one of you has played a part in making this happen.”
Speaking about the impact of the completed renovation on the local community, Viveen Taylor said: “I am really pleased to see everyone here utilising this amazing facility and seeing people keeping active.
“We want to be involved with what is really good about basketball and sport and I wish the club well in this new facility and look forward to seeing the benefits it brings to the local community going forward.”
With the start of a new season for our teams fast approaching, Managing Direcotor Robert Palmer is looking forward to seeing the impact of the new look facility on the club.
He said: “We believe that Nechells Wellbeing Centre now provides a playing and spectating experience equal to any junior basketball facility in the UK. The investment will not only enthuse and motivate our existing Rockets basketball community, but will also enable us to attract and engage further participants from around our wonderful city of Birmingham.“