Thanks A Million: Coach has players bouncing back from lockdown

Sturt Sabres basketball coach Jeremy Ramintas was quickly on the rebound to help his young charges court success after COVID-19 fouled out initial plans.

Sturt Sabres community co-ordinator and coach Jeremy Ramintas at a training session at Springbank Secondary College, Pasadena. Picture: Emma Brasier

Jeremy Ramintas wasn’t going to let a worldwide pandemic stand in the way of his love for basketball. The 26-year-old is a community co-ordinator and coach at the Sturt Sabres Basketball Club in Pasadena, and when COVID-19 forced SA into lockdown, he found other ways to keep training his young charges.

During lockdown, Mr Ramintas trained his players virtually through Zoom. When outdoor exercise was allowed, he ran small classes in parks around Adelaide to keep up their health and fitness, even though games were not yet back on the agenda.

He was nominated by Carolyn Boyd, the mother of one of his players, in the Thanks A Million campaign, for his never-give-up attitude and dedication to his players.

“This has been a tough year in sport, and Jeremy has retained his positive and friendly approach while managing constant changes,” Boyd said in her nomination. “Jeremy plays a pivotal role in community sport in our area.”

Sturt Sabres community co-ordinator and coach Jeremy Ramintas with junior players, from left, Millie, Abbie, Eleanor, Alana and Caitlin at Springbank Secondary College, Pasadena. Picture: Emma Brasier

Before COVID-19 hit, Mr Ramintas ran a domestic junior basketball competition and an after-school program, as well as school visits to run clinics introducing kids to basketball. When the state was forced into lockdown, he lost all these roles, but was kept on at the club thanks to JobKeeper.

“We pretty much had to cancel everything from one day to another,” Mr Ramintas said. “I moved on to do other preparation work at the club, but I didn’t want to lose touch with the players, so I started some training sessions on Zoom, covering some dribbling and shooting skill work. When we could go outside, I would do little fitness sessions with them in parks – we even did it at the beach once.”

While the young players missed being on the court and competing each week, the weekly fitness sessions helped retain their health and fitness routine.

“I’m not sure what other clubs and coaches did, but I had time on my hands, so I wanted to come up with different ways for them to stay fit and healthy,” he said. “But none of that replaced getting back on the court – they love being back.”

To nominate someone and say thanks, go to thanksamillion.net.au and they could receive a $200 Woolworths Gift Card. Terms and conditions apply. For full terms and conditions, visit thanksamillion.net.au