Enriching Lives through basketball

 

Our partnership with the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks professional basketball team and
B. Braun Sheffield Hatters basketball team promotes physical activity, healthy lifestyles, online safety, and good citizenship to young people through basketball sessions and workshops.

The RESPECT and RESPECT TOO programmes are community-driven initiatives that empower young people in South Yorkshire. The programmes use basketball and professional basketball players as positive role models to explore the importance of leading healthy and sociable lifestyles. In 2023, over 800 pupils participated in the programmes that are managed and delivered by the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks and the Sheffield Hatters.

These programmes align with UN SDG 4: Quality Education by giving young people the tools to promote a culture of peace and non-violence, as well as supporting effective learning outcomes and skills development.

two women, one in the foreground holding a basketball staring intently with text on the bottom left reading Quality Education


RESPECT

RESPECT has benefitted an estimated 5,000 students since the 2020 lockdown, promoting wellbeing and equality in young people.

The RESPECT programme, launched in 2018, is designed for primary school children aged 7-11. Since 2018, it has combined sports coaching with educational workshops to foster positive behaviour, teamwork, and community involvement. Held in the pupils’ schools, the programme teaches them to make informed and healthy life choices from an early age.

Each school receives six hours of basketball coaching alongside workshops on the dangers of smoking, bullying, and internet safety. The programme concludes with an inter-school basketball tournament held at Canon Medical Arena. Participants are also provided with free tickets to a Sheffield Sharks game at the Arena.

man crouched next to a young boy whilst writing on a piece of paper both smiling


a group of young people in a circle bumping fists


Tackling bullying and self-confidence

Reports of bullying increased after the COVID-19 pandemic, pushing young people onto social media for their interactions. As a result, the programme now includes a workshop to help counter this.

The workshop uses professional male and female basketball players as relatable examples who help young people see that what is portrayed online is not entirely accurate. The workshops are designed to challenge misconceptions about body image and work to help students feel confident in who they are.

The involvement of the Sheffield Hatters, the UK’s first women’s basketball team, has been a game-changer for the young girls involved in the scheme. They now have tangible role models whom they can look toward for inspiration and help them aspire to their personal goals in both sports and wider life.

You can learn more about the RESPECT programme here.


RESPECT TOO

Working with vulnerable students at risk of engaging in anti-social and
gang-related activities.

Launched in 2020, the RESPECT TOO programme works with secondary school students aged 11 to 16. It focuses on early intervention for at-risk youth, using basketball to promote positive behaviour, education, and personal development.

The programme helps young people understand the consequences of negative behaviour and encourages them to build positive relationships and life skills, while also reinforcing the importance of education and community involvement. It’s held at
Canon Medical Arena and combines workshops with coached basketball sessions with the players.

You can learn more about the RESPECT TOO programme here.

young man dribbling a basketball

three quarter view of a van illustrating the branding on the vehicle

Designing the RESPECT Minibus

 

In 2020, we launched a competition to design a branded wrap for the RESPECT tournament minibus, which plays a vital role in providing safe and reliable transport for children. This service ensures they can travel to and from school and participate fully in the programme, breaking down barriers to participate.

Providing a unique creative opportunity, children from the RESPECT programme were invited to enter their designs into a competition. We saw some wonderfully creative designs, with three winning entries being combined to create the final design.

 


Sheffield Sharks Young Ambassador Programme, supported by Canon Medical UK

 

In September 2024, we launched a pilot programme born from our employee-led CSR Special Project Focus Group. This initiative aims to expand our RESPECT programme, which seeks to empower disadvantaged youth with the guidance, skills, and opportunities needed for success after school.

The Sheffield Sharks Young Ambassador Programme is a collaborative initiative between Canon Medical UK, the Sheffield Sharks, and the charity One Million Mentors.

Man and two young people taking part in a craft activity


Cheerful man stood next to a young person

Providing mentorship, skills and work experience

 

We aim to provide those selected with life and career skills training, mentorship, and work experience to foster personal and professional growth as they leave school and start their working lives.

Volunteer Canon Medical UK employees will be mentors and will help deliver CV writing, interview skills, presentation skills, and career development training. Monthly online mentoring sessions will be conducted to guide the youth ambassadors in overcoming barriers to success, building their confidence, and preparing for academic and career opportunities.

This project truly reflects our vision to enrich every life we touch. By positively impacting at-risk youth, we hope to benefit their lives directly and benefit their local community while also enhancing social mobility more broadly.


Headshot of Managing Director

 

 

“Understanding the positive principles of team sport and learning directly from role models is a vital part of helping young people believe in themselves and see the value of education. The RESPECT programmes both encourage young people to stay in education longer and promote community involvement.”


– Mark Hitchman,
Managing Director of Canon Medical Systems Ltd


 

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