COMMONWEALTH Games Silver Medallist Hannah Jump made a surprise visit to her hometown basketball club
Warrington born basketball 3X3 star, Hannah, paid an unexpected visit to Padgate Basketball Club last Thursday, 4 August.
The inclusive club which runs more than 10 teams ranging from age five through to adults were ‘awestruck’ by the sports star’s arrival.
Hannah agreed to meet with the members after an associate of the team tweeted her requesting for her to send an inspirational message to the kids and fellow members of the club but were pleasantly surprised when she offered to come down for a surprise visit in person.
The club, which first opened its doors in 2007, described the gesture as ‘incredibly kind’ as the visit saw the talented player interact with the kids, answer questions and give advice, as well as sign shirts and trainers and even play some basketball with the group.
Hannah, who currently lives in the US and studies at Stanford University, returned to the UK to participate in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham earlier this month where she played a huge role, earning a silver medal in the specialised sport.
The meeting comes at a prominent time for Padgate Basketball Club which is in the middle of an ‘exciting development’ as they are pursuing an all-girls basketball team.
Detailing further about the latest expansion within the club, Chairman Jason Royle said: “Our newly formed u12 girls’ team are one of the founder members into the new Basketball England Northwest Regional League that starts in the autumn. It'll be a good step up operating at an intermediate level - between local league and national league”
He added: “We have a team together, although are looking for new members and are really excited about this - we've backed it as a club by putting on free basketball sessions for girls over the summer which are advertised via our Facebook and Instagram accounts.”
Detailing the advice Hannah gave to the budding players, Jason said: “Hannah told the kids to listen to advice from coaches, stay disciplined and work hard.”
The 21-year-old also revealed to the members her gruelling routine back home in the US which entails a 6.30am wake up where she cycles to the gym for a weights work out, leading on to a full day of classes at college which finishes at 3.30pm when she then dashes straight to the gym for four hours of training and then a sore ride back home.
Hannah, a former Stretton St Matthews pupil, made a lasting impression on the club and both its junior and senior members with Jason praising the ‘incredibly kind’ gesture.
He said: “It was amazing to see the kids so excited about meeting not only a Commonwealth Games medallist but one who actually came from their hometown and played in the sport they all love.”
He added: “I think it's safe to say, Hannah gained a few more followers after today. She truly is an inspirational Warringtonian and a fantastic ambassador for England Basketball.”
For more details on joining the upcoming Padgate girls basketball team, visit their Instagram page @padgatebasketball
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here