Under the title "BasKIDball", the city is offering a new sports program for children and young people aged 6 and over. The project is a cooperation between the Youth in the Community (JIG) team in the City of Salzgitter's Municipal Children and Youth Development Department and Basketball Löwen Braunschweig, who provide a coach every week.

"Is Dennis Schröder your boyfriend?"

This question was not long in coming. After all, it's not every day that you have the opportunity to train with a former professional basketball player. Coach Flavio Stückemann, who looks back on his own professional career and coaches the Basketball Lions' U19 youth team, personally led the first training session.

The seven children taking part clearly had fun and learned right from the start that basketball requires training. To start with, the focus was therefore on playful exercises to develop a feel for the ball, such as spinning the ball on the finger, dribbling, rolling and targeted throws. Even if the enthusiasm for throws at the big basket could hardly be contained, the unit primarily taught the first basics of basketball handling. After two hours, the first open training session came to an end with many satisfied faces.

Marco Schmitz, Head of the Children, Youth and Family Department of the City of Salzgitter, emphasized: "We are delighted to now be able to offer this combination of socio-educational services and sport in Salzgitter. Our aim is to give children and young people, regardless of their origin and social background, the joy of exercise and to strengthen social interaction."

Martina Malak, city youth welfare officer and head of the municipal child and youth development department, thanks everyone involved: "A big thank you to BasKIDball and Basketball Löwen Braunschweig for their commitment - that's not a matter of course. We would also like to thank the Montessori School for providing the sports hall and all those involved in making this project possible. We are proud that Salzgitter is now the 28th BasKIDball location in Germany."

Team leader for youth in the community, André Blase, adds: "BasKIDball is more than just a sports program. It is comparable to an open children's and youth club. In addition to exercise, it also promotes socializing and community. Young people can gain new experiences here, make new friends and try things out - all under the guidance of a trained basketball coach."

If you have any questions or require further information, please contact the JIG team on 05341 902118 or by e-mail at jigstadt.salzgitterde