SAMOA -- With an unbridled passion for basketball, Australian basketball legend Brian Kerle will visit Apia, Samoa on September 19 to 29 for the Ball 4 Change program and mentor coaches in his visit to the island nation.

Kerle will help in the implementation of Ball 4 Change (B4C), a charity-based program which employs basketball in developing youth through sports. The B4C program is organized by Jada Schultz, a proud Samoa native who is based in Brisbane, Australia.

“I want to help Samoans with their basketball by holding clinics and games while also teaching them the key game fundamentals. There are many players from the country who play at such a high standard, so programs like this allow us the opportunity to be able to help players understand the game more while teaching them new skills as well as improving fitness,” Kerle shared, who is also fondly called “Mr. Basketball”.

Kerle has spent his life not only playing basketball at the highest level, as a member of the 1972 Olympic team, but also selecting and nurturing great talent. He coached 456 NBL games over 13 seasons achieving great milestones that include 2006 NBL Hall of Fame induction, two Coach of the Year awards, two successive NBL titles with St Kilda (1979 and 1980) as well as taking the Bullets to 1984, 1986 and 1990 NBL grand finals.

Kerle will hold a mentorship program for the U15 Samoa national team in their preparation for the FIBA U15 Oceania Championship in December that will be held in Papua New Guinea.

“We enjoy helping and teaching the young Samoa players because they are keen to learn and have the tools to be good,” shared Kerle.

Kerle will bring eight boxes of basketballs to help the Hoops For Health program which is organized by Samoa Basketball Federation, Australian Aid, and FIBA.

“It was a great experience partnering with Brian and Ball 4 Change because they also support the vision of our Hoops For Health program; using basketball as a tool to promote a healthy lifestyle and bring communities together,” shared FIBA Oceania Development Manager, Annie LaFleur.

“We are also proud to bring in school supplies like shoes, books and clothes for the kids to help them out,” added Kerle.

Kerle takes great pride in his involvement with the charity on various levels, he has organized a trip through fundraising and will be taking a tour group of 23 people in his trip to Samoa. With his experience both as a player and one of the most successful basketball coaches in Australian basketball, Kerle will bring invaluable experience to the Brisbane-based charity.

“The opportunity and experience are invaluable for me. Meeting them and seeing what the program means to them means a lot to us.” Kerle shared.

- Rowan Harrip