More than 50 young people from across Scotland came together at Inverness Royal Academy on Monday 13 July for Hoops Without Borders, an innovative basketball festival designed to empower, connect and inspire care-experienced young people through the power of sport.
Organised by High Life Highland in partnership with The Highland Council's Social Work Service, and delivered with support from the Scottish Government's Summer of Sport initiative, the event brought together looked after and accommodated young people from communities across the Highlands, Aberdeenshire, Dundee and the Scottish Borders for a day centred on sport, friendship and cultural exchange.
A day built on connection and confidence
Using basketball as a way to bring people together, the festival gave participants the chance to build confidence, improve their wellbeing and develop positive relationships, all while embracing values closely associated with the Commonwealth Games: humanity, equality and destiny.
Elizabeth McDonald, Leadership Programme Development Officer with High Life Highland, said: "We are so incredibly grateful to Michael Sharkey from Inverness Lions Basketball Club for planning and delivering all the sessions at our Hoops Without Borders event – it was an incredibly busy day. We had young people taking part in basketball skills sessions, fun games and challenges, team activities, friendly competitions and youth leadership opportunities, helping to break down cultural barriers, strengthen connections and create positive experiences through physical activity. The atmosphere was amazing.
The atmosphere was amazing.
Leadership Programme Development Officer, High Life Highland
Celebrating diversity and building belonging
The event welcomed young people who now call Scotland home, with backgrounds spanning 14 different countries — creating a genuine celebration of diversity, inclusion and community. Many participants were new to basketball altogether, making the festival a chance not just to enjoy sport, but to gain confidence, work as part of a team and try something new in a supportive environment.
Cllr David Fraser, Highland Council's Chair of Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee, said bringing together young people from different backgrounds alongside local organisations, support workers, volunteers and community partners would help strengthen community connections and foster a greater sense of belonging for these young people.
The festival promoted inclusion and equality by providing a safe, welcoming space where looked after and accommodated young people could take part, make new friends and feel valued.
The wider benefits of getting involved
Andrea Mackenzie, Area Sports Development Manager with High Life Highland, highlighted the broader impact of days like this. Taking part in physical activity supports both physical and mental wellbeing, while teamwork and friendly competition help young people develop communication, leadership, problem-solving and social skills.
She added that Hoops Without Borders shows how sport can break down barriers, encourage inclusion and create lasting friendships — with outcomes including increased confidence and self-esteem, greater social inclusion, stronger community connections and a better understanding of different cultures and backgrounds.
As well as High Life Highland and Highland Council staff, several High Life Highland Young Leaders gained valuable experience helping run the event, with basketballs kindly provided by Basketball Scotland.
Looking ahead
There's hope that Hoops Without Borders can be repeated in future, leaving a lasting legacy by encouraging continued participation in sport, volunteering, leadership and community activities — and showcasing the Highlands as a welcoming, supportive place for young people to thrive.
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Discover more about High Life Highland's youth leadership and sport programmes.
