36ers Partners with Be Well Co to Launch Leadership Initiative

The Adelaide 36ers have partnered with South Australian social enterprise Be Well Co to launch a leadership initiative designed to equip senior school students with practical tools to manage change and build mental resilience.

Targeting Years 11 and 12, the program aims to improve confidence and promote a more optimistic outlook among students as they transition beyond school, directly addressing rising mental health challenges and uncertainty experienced by Gen Z.

Ross Wait, General Manager of Social Impact and Community at the Adelaide 36ers, said the club is committed to using sport as a platform for meaningful change:

“Be Well Co is an industry leader in empowering people to face life’s challenges head-on. We’re harnessing basketball as a catalyst for developing mental strength that extends beyond the court into classrooms, communities, and everyday life.”

Wait added that the initiative is designed to go beyond traditional wellbeing programs by combining skill-building with engaging experiences:
“We’re using the game to teach transferable life skills in a way that resonates with young people.”

Dr Joep van Agteren, CEO of Be Well Co, said the program is a timely response to the pressures young people face today: “This initiative seeks to reverse worrying trends by helping students develop a mindset that enables them to tackle challenges and recognise the positive aspects of their lives.”

Dr Matthew Iasiello, Head of Data and Research Translation at Be Well Co, added: “Incorporating the real-life experiences of professional athletes creates a powerful framework for learning. It shows students that resilience is not innate, it’s a skill that can be learned and practised.”

The program integrates physical activity and sports with evidence-based mental health strategies, with the overarching goal of nurturing optimism and resilience.

A key strength of the initiative is its alignment with the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), allowing students to gain academic credit for their participation. This formal recognition strengthens the program’s relevance and accessibility in schools.

To support delivery, tailored training workshops will be provided for educators, equipping them with the confidence and tools to engage students effectively.

An evaluation framework developed by Be Well Co will measure the impact of the program on participants’ mental fitness and well-being.

A pilot will launch in two South Australian schools during Term 3, with a full rollout and expanded professional development opportunities planned for 2026.

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