B.T.L. sponsors basketball camp
If art is not your thing, don’t fret, because this summer it seems that there’s a camp for every child’s desires. News 5’s Jacqueline Woods stopped by B.T.L. headquarters on St. Thomas Street–not to surf the net, but to shoot some hoops.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
It’s not certain just how many of the children will go on to become professional basketball players, but for the moment the boys and girls are spending at least four hours a day learning the skills of the game.
Most of the children, who are between nine and fourteen, do not have any basketball experience. But under the leadership of B.T.L. Nets shooting guard, David Laqua, the young players are eager to do their best.
David Laqua, Camp Director
“Obviously they get excited when they get playing the game, they just have a lot of fun. Sometimes they have a hard time controlling their excitement, but overall they’re good kids, they listen. I’ve run camps in different areas and here they really enjoy themselves and have a lot of fun.”
…and fun the children had despite the hot day. It is the second time that Belize Telecommunications Limited has hosted the camp. The activity is part of B.T.L.’s Stay in School Campaign.
Gayleen Tesucum, Public Relations Officer, B.T.L.
“This year, we have over a hundred and fifty kids, so we decided to expand the camp and have it for two weeks. This week, July eight to the twelfth, and next week to the nineteenth.”
Jacqueline Woods
“If there are some children out there who are interested in joining next week’s camp, can they still go ahead and do that?”
Gayleen Tesucum
“Sure, we do not turn back any children, we welcome them, if they want to attend, they could attend next week session.”
David Laqua
“Not everybody likes or enjoys learning about history or math when they’re a young kid. But if you relate it to playing basketball and the comparisons and how that would help them in many different aspects, it seems to gain their interests, so they’re more apt to study and enjoy school along with basketball and other things.”
Jacqueline Woods
“Now you know this camp is for B.T.L.’s stay in school campaign. Why is it important for you children to stay in school?”
Camp Participant #1
“Because you need an education. And if you want to be an NBA player you have to have an education.”
Camp Participant #2
“I just think it’s good to stay in school because if you don’t have a job then you go out on the streets and do drugs and destroy your body.”
The children are not only learning individual skills, but also the value of being a team player.
Jason Young, 13 years old
“It teaches you a lot things, teamwork, skills, you have to develop your skills and you have to have teamwork. You have to marvel on some players and develop yourself so that you become a good player.”
Alexander Novelo, 12 Years old
“It teach us different kinds of routines. How to dribble the ball, how to shoot, all kinds of stuff.”
Jacqueline Woods
“What did you find the most difficult?”
Alexander Novelo
“Shooting.”
Nitaya Locke, 11 years old
“Well I like it because I play all sorts of sports. I play any kinds of sports actually. For me it’s much easier than other sports because you get to play against each other and mostly you have to dribble the ball and do other tricks.”
In addition to new skills, the children will also receive certificates for their participation. Jacqueline Woods reporting for News 5.
Children who are interested in attending next week’s basketball camp can apply at B.T.L.’s Public Relations Department on Regent Street. Registration is free.
