Have-a-Go 3x3 Basketball is coming to Ōhope with the aim of making the sport accessible to all talents and abilities wanting to play.

Parafed and Ōhope’s Tautiaki Basketball Club have teamed up to provide a morning of inclusive activities at Mahy Reserve on Sunday between 10am and 1pm.

The free event will predominantly feature 3x3 basketball, but Northern District’s Cricket will also be there and will set up a game on the reserve, and further inclusive play activities will be run by Parafed Youth and Play Lead Jo Jackson.

Parafed event and programme support manager Suzanne Morrison said basketball wheelchairs would be available to allow anyone who wanted, to join the game.

“At previous events we’ve had a range of able-bodied to players in wheelchairs, and we have a rotation – it's not too structured.

“If you’re not on the court there will be plenty of activities on the edges,” she said.

A beach mat will allow easy access to the beach.

“We are confident it works; now we just need people to come,” Ms Morrison said.

Founders of Tautiaki Basketball Club Peaches King and Jared Davis said their club was all about creating professional and social opportunities for local young basketball players. They were excited when Parafed reached out to collaborate.

Ms King said Parafed’s cause really resonated with the club.

“They are just as passionate about their community as we are,” she said.

She said they was impressed Parafed’s invitation extended to those with temporary impairments or injuries.

“It’s showcasing this community exists for anyone who wants to join,” she said.

Mr Davis said Tautiaki Basketball Club was happy to support Parafed and the Have-a-Go Basketball Day in whatever way it could.

“It’s nice how these two communities can be playing side by side; it’s quite cool.”

He has invited Parafed to set up at Tautiaki Basketball Club’s social events and hopes they can collaborate again in the future.

WHAT: Have-a-Go Basketball with Parafed and Tautiaki Basketball Club

WHERE: Mahy Reserve, Ohope

WHEN: Sunday March 16, 10am-1pm

COST: Free