Basketball camp imparts skills for future success

The hardwood may not be in quite the shape it used to, but the boards at Bird’s Isle were buzzing today, to the rhythm of basketballs. News Five’s Alyssa Noble reports.

Alyssa Noble, Reporting
It?s the dream of many kids … to one day become an N.B.A. star. But for the moment, the boys and girls at SOL?s Elite Mini Basketball Camp are content with spending four hours a day learning the skills of the game. According to the camp?s coordinator, Brads Neal, however, the goal is long term development.

Brads Neal, Camp Coordinator, Elite Mini Basketball Camp
?What we have is an elite basketball programme for the city of Belize, right now. It?s a co-ed program as you can see females are involved. And we try to get the best talent in the city and try to groom them and hope to get them developed for the next level of basketball in the city. Right now we?re feeling like we are accomplishing a lot. The kids are developing their fundamental skills in passing the ball, shooting the ball, and reacting to what we call the fundamentals of the game. It?s not about winning, it?s about teaching the game from a young age and hopefully in the next four to five years we can develop some solid local players.?

Nine year old Gary Ellis is one of the youngest and smallest players on the court, but that hasn?t stopped him from going all out.

Alyssa Noble
?Do you like basketball? Is it your favourite sport??

Gary Ellis, 9 yr. old camper
?Uh huh.?

Alyssa Noble
?Tell me why you like basketball??

Gary Ellis
?Well it?s a good sport, and I think a lot of people would like to play it.?

Alyssa Noble
?What have you learned from playing basketball and participating in this summer camp??

Gary Ellis
?Dedication, respect … umm lots of stuff.?

… And the other campers seem to agree.

Corey Neal, 12 yr old camper
?I?ve been enjoying it, because it gives me something to get me active and not like be on the streets or things like that. You get out and enjoy yourself.?

Analisa Habet, 12 yr. old camper
?I really like this because I learn a lot about basketball. Get involved in basketball, because it?s so much fun and you can make new friends.?

The month long camp ends next week Friday with a game against some Chetumal Basketball Campers.

Alyssa Noble reporting for News Five.