Last Ruapehu mini-ball

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 307, 3 October 1989, Page 20

Last Ruapehu mini-ball

The Bulletin camera caught some miniball players in action at the Ruapehu College gym last week. Miniball is the game of basketball played by children from the ages of 5-13 years. the children are taught the basic skills of the game and, more importantly, they are taught a spirit of cooperation and sports - manship. There are 10 players in each mini team compared to five or more players in a senior game. Everything is reduced in size from the height of the goals to the size of the ball and court. "It is an exciting game and parents and friends can easily be caught up in a frenzy of action and fun," says organiser Jefferine O'Sullivan. The Ruapehu Basketball Association has its own mini team with children coming from Ohakune and Orautoha to play. Since August the team has been playing in Taumarunui - going

there to play two games a night each fortnight. 'They have all been playing well and I am proud of them all," said Mrs O'Sullivan.

Friday 29 September was the team's last playing night in Taumarunui until next year. "It was prize giving night - a time to reflect

about what could have been or is, and a time to say farewell to the many friends and parents we have come to know," she said.