On the court with the Otago Nuggets

On July 4th, a group of rangatahi living with diabetes were given the incredible opportunity to train alongside the Otago Nuggets basketball team.

Diabetes New Zealand partnered with the Nuggets to put on an epic day. The rangatahi got a morning on the court, running through drills alongside professional players who train and compete at the top of their sport. The players were also lucky; they got to sit down with some cool as young people for some much-needed kai after the session.

They joined in on training drills, picked up a few tips, and watched the Nuggets sink shots from half court. Asked how it felt to meet the team, one boy kept it simple: "Nervous, excited and pumped."

Players talked openly with the rangatahi about living with diabetes and what it takes to stay on top of it while playing at a high level. One plays with his pump off during games; it gets too physical otherwise. His advice for other people worried diabetes might hold them back - "Give it a go, there's no reason you can't play."

Asked for a nickname for the team after the day they'd had, they were quick - "McNuggets."

Sorry, Nuggets, that one was to be expected!

The group went home with full puku and full hearts. And, not to mention, signed basketball jerseys from the team too.

Thank you to the Otago Nuggets for opening their doors and giving these young people a day to remember.