The SNAP Decision How Basketball Legend Butch Hays Found His True Calling
William "Butch" Hays has lived a life defined by passion, resilience, and a drive to make a difference.
Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, he grew up in a neighbourhood notorious for gang violence, caught between the Crips and the Bloods and where, if someone disagreed with you, they could pull a gun. Growing up in such an environment made him tough and determined.
“I was really crap at baseball and football because I was too skinny and not very strong,” said Butch.
“I was introduced to basketball when I was 12 years old, but it wasn’t until I went to high school that I started receiving some coaching.”
His mother worked as a nurse, and his father was an aeroplane mechanic. Butch earned a scholarship to St. Bernard High School, which led to another scholarship at the University of California, Berkeley. At 193 centimetres tall, the young Butch not only excelled at basketball but also had to meet the university's high academic standards, ultimately graduating with a degree in Sociology.
In 1984, Butch was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Draft, sharing the same draft class—and even a room—with basketball legend Michael Jordan. He would go on to enjoy an international career that saw him play in the Philippines, Korea, Malaysia, Japan, France, England, Scotland, and ultimately, Australia, where he joined the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) in 1991, playing for the Adelaide 36ers, Illawarra Hawks, Newcastle Falcons, and North Melbourne
Giants. His sporting achievements continued when he represented Australia in the World Masters, competing in New Zealand, Italy, and Argentina, where his team won a bronze medal. Today, he coaches several teams, including an Aboriginal team from the Karuah mission, which has won multiple competitions and has taken up basketball commentary for the Newcastle Falcons and the Maitland Mustangs.
Off the court, Butch followed up his Bachelor of Sociology with a Masters in Business Administration from the University of South Australia. He uses his motivational skills, understanding of team building and education as a counsellor to help children and adults achieve their full potential. In 2012 his passion for social welfare led him to found Special Needs Accommodation Programs, or SNAP for short.
“I’ve always been passionate about helping people,” said Butch. “Basketball gave me so much, and I wanted to use what I learned to give back to the community.”
SNAP is a registered not-for-profit organisation that provides a wide range of services for children, young people, and adults with disabilities.
“We are well known for our special needs camps for children and adults. We take on challenging behaviours and difficult trauma cases and are known as the fastest in the industry in responding to crises. We understand parents and carers are under extreme pressure daily while supporting their loved ones. When they reach out to SNAP for support, we are there at
the SNAP of your fingers.”
SNAP’s camp programs cater to different age groups, including SNAP Kids Camps (ages 6-17), SNAP Whipper-Snapper Weekends, SNAP Seasoned-Snapper Weekends for adults over 30, and SNAP Weekenders for Adults. These camps are designed to provide social interaction, skill-building, and fun activities in a safe and inclusive environment.
SNAP Kids Camps allow kids to experience the fun and social interaction of a holiday camp. Activities include campfires, fishing, swimming, discos, treasure hunts, crafts, games, sports and more. Adult weekends can include attending major sporting events, sightseeing, visiting a club, watching movies, going to the theatre, fine dining, spa days, and even square dancing.
“Although SNAP is known for its excellent camps and respite, we also do SIL (Supported Independent Living) homes for adults with disabilities. We support clients all over NSW, but our primary focus is the Central Coast, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.
SNAP also assists families in navigating the complexities of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), ensuring they can access the resources and care they need.
“We need to increase awareness of our work,” said Butch.
“We want more people to know that SNAP exists. There are so many children, young people, and adults who could benefit from our programs, but they just don’t know about them yet.”
From the streets of Los Angeles to the courts of Australia and now to the heart of the disability sector, Butch Hays’ journey is one of transformation and dedication. While he once played to win championships, today, his victories come in the form of smiles, breakthroughs, and the knowledge that he is changing lives.
