Cairns Basketball Inc. has entered into a partnership agreement with FOGS (Former Origin Greats) Ltd to deliver a 20 week Hoop Dreaming Project into the Cooktown State School and the Hope Vale Aboriginal Community.

The project will incorporate in-school sessions and community workshops which will include indigenous role models who will discuss the life choices options that can be provided by sport.

Joel Khalu, from Cairns Basketball Inc, said “it is our goal to encourage the locals kids to see that sport can be the catalyst to improve all aspects of their lives including family relationships, self esteem, respect for others and leadership skills”.

Former Origin Greats (FOGS) is a non-profit organization committed to helping rugby league and other communities and charities throughout Queensland. Their members are an elite group of 163 players who have represented Queensland in State of Origin since its inception in 1980. Many of Queensland’s highest profile sportsmen are FOGS, including Allan Langer, Shane Webcke, Mal Meninga, Wally Lewis, Kevin Walters and Gordon Tallis.

FOGS is currently overseeing an after-school sport and rugby league program on Mornington Island aimed at improving and resolving social issues including alcohol and substance abuse.