In a visit to Wagga on Wednesday, Minister for Multiculturalism and Sport John Sidoti announced $80,000 for the Savannah Pride program.

"The program integrates tuition and homework with basketball," he said.

"It has engaged thousands of youth and has impressive alumni of overseas college scholarship recipients and professional basketballers.

"I'm so excited to see the program expanding to Wagga to make a real impact on young people in the community."

The founder Mayor Chagai fled civil war in South Sudan and later came to Australia as a refugee where he struggled to integrate.

"| founded Savannah Pride because when | first came to Australia, nothing like it existed for young people like me," he said.

"I've seen how Savannah Pride has created new pathways for young people, while developing their self-esteem, life skills and education."

PCYC club manager Brett Somerville said the program was already engaging people aged 12 to 17 from different cultural backgrounds in Wagga.

"Wagga is proudly home to growing diverse communities, including newly settled migrants and refugees," Mr he said.

"We're thrilled to be adapting the Savannah Pride program to Wagga and have already seen strong interest from young people locally."

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