Excitement and enjoyment were the energies filling the room at two local primary schools in Cardiff on the 2nd March 2010 as the Cheshire Jets and Carlyle Finance delivered the Hoops for Health program. The day was packed with fun learning and activities, making it a complete success as the children came face to face with a professional basketball player. James Hamilton, captain of the Cheshire Jets pro basketball team motivated the group as they asked, “does that mean your cousin is Michael Jordon?!”
The Cheshire Jets is sponsored by Carlyle Finance, one of the leading independent motor finance organisations in the UK, offering loan advice to finance a car, as well as providing quality car finance deals. Carlyle Finance is excited to be able to sponsor The Cheshire Jets and supports their charity, The Jets Foundation. One of their many programs is built around educating young people about healthy living and supporting children with disabilities. On the 2nd March, the focus was about why it is important to be fit, the benefits of a balanced diet through healthy eating and the implications of smoking. The idea is to present a role model to demonstrate to the children the benefits of healthy living, and involving them in key basketball skills.
The children were split into four groups, each group being presented with different teachings about healthy living. The Jets and Carlyle Finance made the lessons as fun as possible by using objects to convey messages, including a Tar Jar to show how much tar a smoker typically creates in their bodies over one year, a beach ball to pass around with questions to inspire thinking about how to be healthy, and of course, basketballs to get the children involved in the sport.
Rachel Sharp, Marketing Executive at Carlyle Finance says, “The day was very fulfilling. The children were a smart bunch, and although they already had a good idea about what healthy living requires, it was great to see them inspired by James, screaming “I’m never going to smoke!” The children seemed so keen to join in with the activities, which is extremely positive. I think it’s very important to teach children about healthy living from an early age so that they know to make wise decisions later on”.
Having now visited over 100 schools, look out for the Cheshire Jets and Carlyle Finance as they could be coming to a school near you!
Editorial Notes
Carlyle Finance Background
Carlyle Finance, which has been operating for over 30 years is part of WesBank, South Africa’s largest financer of cars, itself part of FirstRand Bank Limited.
Carlyle Finance provides a full portfolio of finance products and services including car stocking facilities, relying exclusively upon motor retailers for its sales.
WesBank’s main objective is to dominate in whichever market it enters and therefore require people who have the potential, skills, and ability to achieve the organisation’s goal. WesBank’s mission statement and shared values gives a good insight to its culture.
Mission Statement
WesBank is to be the acknowledged leaders in instalment credit in terms of Customer Service, Profitability and Size.
