The opening chapter of the NBL26 freeway rivalry receives a powerful community boost this weekend as the Illawarra Hawks join forces with KidsWish Foundation for a special halftime celebration.
Game Day Activation for a Worthy Cause
This Sunday, when the Hawks host their rivals the Sydney Kings at WIN Entertainment Centre, the spotlight will extend beyond the court to highlight the incredible work of KidsWish. The foundation, which supports children and young people living with disability and their families across the Illawarra and South Coast regions, will take centre stage during halftime for a friendly basketball competition.
KidsWish spokesperson Emily Wright expressed gratitude for the partnership, noting how it demonstrates the power of community connection through sport. "We're so grateful to the Illawarra Hawks for choosing KidsWish as their charity activation partner," Ms Wright said. "The Hawks are such a big part of our local identity, and this partnership is about celebrating inclusion, teamwork, and the joy that comes from giving back to the community we all love."
How Fans Can Get Involved
Attendees at the game have multiple opportunities to support the cause. Fans can visit the KidsWish activation zone in the foyer to meet the team, learn about their programs, and make donations. The club's popular mascot, Tomma Hawk, will also join the KidsWish participants on court during the halftime activities.
Supporters can enter a special raffle for the chance to win a signed NBL25 Championship basketball and a family pass to a future Hawks home game. This provides an excellent incentive for basketball enthusiasts to contribute to the foundation's important work while potentially scoring some exclusive Hawks merchandise.
Building Community Through Sport
The partnership between the Illawarra Hawks and KidsWish represents more than just a single game activation. It underscores the basketball club's commitment to using their platform to support local organisations making a genuine difference in the region.
As children from KidsWish showcase their basketball skills before a packed crowd at WIN Entertainment Centre, the event promises to deliver an inspiring moment of inclusion and community spirit during one of the NBL's most anticipated rivalry games of the season.
