2007/2008 witnesses BiG Storage committing to their first sponsorship initiative by becoming associated with the Cheshire Jets, one of the most prominent basketball teams in the country.

As basketball grows in popularity, both as a spectator and participating sport, many of the teams in the league have taken a lead in promoting a healthy lifestyle in the community, starting at grass roots level by targeting primary school children in local area.

The ‘Hoops for Health’ programme was launched in Chester by the BiG Storage Cheshire Jets in September 2007 and delivered to 16 primary schools in the area.  The success of the first phase of the scheme will now result in it being rolled out to further schools in Chester in January 2008 as well as being introduced to schools in Warrington at the same time.

The major aim of the scheme is to deliver a healthy living programme through professional sporting role models, utilising basketball as an activity to communicate a range of positive health messages to young people in primary schools.

The major focus of informative education and physical implementation includes:

• Healthy nutrition
• Smoking cessation
• The importance of keeping fit and it’s link to a healthy heart
• Alcohol management
• Physical fitness demonstrated through basketball – including coaching and the inclusion of a school team into a local basketball competition.

Fronted with a professional delivery by key BiG Storage Cheshire Jets’ players, the scheme will ultimately be offered to all schools in the County.

With health issues dominating the government’s agenda, the ‘Hoops for Health’ programme is rapidly gaining the support of local Councils, the local Constabulary, and Fire and Rescue Services