Sport
6 June, 2025
Walking Basketball to launch next week
Senior residents are invited to tie up their sneakers, stride onto the court, and shoot some hoops at the newly launched Walking Basketball program.
Brought together thanks to the Maryborough Basketball Association, Basketball Victoria, Central Goldfields Shire Council and Healthy Loddon Campaspe (HLC), the program encourages people over 55 to get back into exercise in a safe and enjoyable environment.
The rules are the same as a regular game of Basketball, except players are forced to play with one foot on the ground at all times.
While there will be no Matthew Dellavedova-esque driving lay-ups or hard-nosed defence, Maryborough Basketball Association president Grant Allan expects the program to be a slam dunk.
“The idea of implementing it in Maryborough was really around providing that opportunity for our ageing population to give them something to do,” he said.
“The way it came to Maryborough was through Albert Bandy, Albert was on holiday in Darwin and saw some walking basketball happening and thought it was a great idea.
“We are all about promoting basketball at all levels and all ages through playing, refereeing, or volunteering and this seemed to be the natural fit.”
While participants will need excellent teamwork to flourish on the court, Allan hopes the program can also invigorate locals to connect and assist off the court.
“The basketball game is one part of it, but we want to encourage the social aspect, after the game they can have a morning tea, sit around, and meet some new people,” he said.
“There might be some people who have lost a bit of connection to their friends or other members of the community, this might stimulate some of those conversations and reconnect.
“We just see it as a massive plus and to have the support from Central Goldfields shire through the HLC program is fantastic.”
According to Central Goldfields Shire mayor Grace La Vella, the program is an extension of council’s partnership with HLC, helping to reduce increased chronic disease risk and unhealthy behaviours across the region.
“Getting active, more often is what the HLC is all about and introducing new ways to do this is a great thing,” she said.
“What makes Walking Basketball stand out from most activities is that it doesn’t matter if you have never played the game of basketball before.
“Walking Basketball offers a level playing field for everyone within a social, fun and non-competitive environment.”
Held at the Maryborough Sports and Leisure Centre, the program will run for four consecutive Tuesdays, starting next Tuesday, June 10, and will return in term three.
Walking Basketball is a free activity with no prior booking required.