Published: 29 July 2026
More than 300 tamariki shared the court with NBA star Steven Adams during a special basketball event at Lower Hutt’s Walter Nash Centre.
The Hutt City Council-operated centre hosted Steven Adams on 28 July, first with the Steven Adams High School Invitational high-performance camps and then the Steven Adams Community Camp.
More than 11,500 tamariki have taken part in the camps since they began in 2014. The camps aim to create opportunities for student athletes, open pathways for young New Zealanders and help grow basketball through education.
Two sessions were held during the day, each with more than 150 young players.
The sound of bouncing basketballs filled Walter Nash Centre as tamariki shot, dribbled and laughed their way through the sessions.
Steven moved among the groups, making sure every player had the chance to see him up close and spend time with him on the court. Best of all, the day was completely free for all tamariki taking part.
Each young player also took home a basketball, playing shirt and food parcel that included milk, bread, yoghurt and Adams’ own Quick Brekkie from event sponsor Meadowfresh.
Steven was inspired to give back to the community by his mentor, the late basketball player and coach Kenny McFadden. Kenny was known for generously giving his time to the community and supporting young basketballers.
The excitement of the young players, and their caregivers, showed how warmly the Lower Hutt community welcomed the event.
Steven will visit Nelson and Gisborne following his time in Lower Hutt.
Young basketball fans across the Tasman will also get their turn, with Steven Adams Camps scheduled for the Gold Coast.