BASKETBALL Ireland is pleased to announce a charity partnership with AWARE, the depression charity for Northern Ireland, supporting those affected by depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. AWARE is Basketball Ireland’s second charity partnership, having also linked up with the youth mental health charity Jigsaw. As part of the partnership Basketball Ireland will aid fundraising for AWARE, while a series of initiatives are planned as part of the collaboration, to help players, coaches, schools, clubs and international sides. Helping promote the partnership will be four ambassadors – Ireland internationals and Belfast Star duo Conor and Aidan Quinn, Ireland 3x3 international and Ulster University player Aoife Callaghan, along with Basketball Northern Ireland board member, Marc Mulholland. Speaking at the launch, Marc Mulholland, said: “I am delighted to be supporting AWARE along with Basketball Ireland. “This is a fantastic partnership and a very important one especially during the pandemic we find ourselves in. “We never truly know the struggles that people are facing, and it is important that we continue to be kind to one another. “Help is often closer than you think, so it is important for our community to know what resources are available to them and that we continue to speak to each other.” Ulster University’s Aoife O’Callaghan added: “I’m looking forward to being involved in this partnership and learning more about AWARE and the work that they do. It is important for us, as players, to encourage open conversations within our family, team and friendships.”
