A new generation of First Nations athletes from Darwin is preparing to take to the national stage, carrying with them a powerful message of healing, culture and hope.
The Hoops 4 Health Myokines Under 12 basketball team will travel south in January to compete at the prestigious Eltham Dandenong Junior Basketball Tournament, marking a significant milestone for the long-running Darwin-based program and the young players it supports.
In science, myokines are proteins released by muscles during physical activity, often described as "hope molecules" for their role in strengthening both physical and mental wellbeing. For Hoops 4 Health, the name represents far more than biology. It reflects a philosophy that movement can heal, sport can empower and young people can be supported to thrive when culture and care sit at the centre of their development.
'It's about First Nations kids feeling safe, seen and deadly on and off the court'
Hoops 4 Health CEO Timmy Duggan says the Myokines Under 12 team represents the future direction of the organisation and its commitment to holistic wellbeing from an early age.
"For me, the H4H Myokines Under 12 team is a really important part of where we want to go as an organisation," Duggan said. "It shows that from a young age, our kids can be in an environment where sport, healing and culture are all connected, not separate things. We know physical activity changes the brain and body, and we know that culture, story and connection to Country are powerful medicines."
He said the long-term vision extends well beyond the court.
"In the long term, I see this team as part of building a generation of young people who understand that their bodies are strong, their culture is strong and their futures are strong. It's about more than just winning games. It's about First Nations kids feeling safe, seen and deadly on and off the court."
That philosophy is woven throughout the program, which has operated since 1995 and is built on three pillars: resilience, re-empowerment and regulation. Hoops 4 Health delivers multiple initiatives across Darwin, including its Resilience Academy and the Gloves of Hope boxing program, providing safe, culturally grounded pathways for young people navigating complex challenges.
The Myokines Under 12 team has emerged directly from the Gloves of Hope program, which runs weekly under the guidance of Larrakia man Murray Bradbury, alongside coaches Damien Zammitt and Alyce Drum. Together, they model Hoops 4 Health's belief that sport is not just about competition, but about building confidence, belonging and a sense of possibility.
Cultural identity is proudly on display in the team's uniforms, which feature original artwork titled Camp Fires by Larrakia artist Natalie Quall. The design uses vibrant yellows, teals, terracotta and black, with concentric circles and radiating patterns that symbolise the campfire as a place of gathering, storytelling, healing and renewal.
"When I painted the campfire, I wanted the colours to stand out proudly and be resilient, like our people," Ms Quall said.
"The young athletes will carry the fire within themselves. It's a reminder to keep going and to do their best, with the support of their families and communities.
"As a Larrakia Arabana artist, I am so proud to see my artwork on the uniforms and to be on a national stage. What a privilege, represented proudly through the Hoops 4 Health program owned by Timmy Duggan. He inspires so many people. It is truly an honour."
Coaching the team for the national tournament is Francess Fatnowna, bringing both elite sporting experience and strong cultural leadership. His involvement reinforces the program's commitment to ensuring First Nations children are supported by mentors who understand their lived experience and potential.
As the Myokines prepare to represent Darwin on a national court, they do so carrying far more than a basketball. They carry science, culture and community in every movement.
For these young players, every bounce truly builds hope.
