On Saturday August 27th and Sunday August 28th at Douglas College, 16 athletes and 9 coaches participated in the first Junior and Juvenile wheelchair basketball camp of the season. Athletes between the ages of 11 and 25 came from as far away as Powell River and Kelowna to take part.
The weekend was full of fun, laughter and, of course, basketball. The camp was declared a success by all who participated, instructed, or simply watched.
Everyone benefitted from the coaches’ expertise. Each coach brought something different to the court and to the athletes, whether it was unending enthusiasm, wisdom and years of experience, or simply a different perspective. Each coach brought something different to the camp even as each athlete got something different out of it, a kick-start to their season, learning something new, learning something old in a new way, or simply playing a game they love.
Most of the campers are looking forward with excitement and confidence to their next wheelchair basketball experience, whatever it may be (junior challenge, Tim Frick City League, or a regional program). They all look forward to getting back on the court.
The camp also highlighted a long term athlete development program led by Marni Abbott-Peter and a Coaches breakfast hosted by BC Wheelchair Basketball. But as much as the coaches and athletes should be congratulated on making this camp a success there are others who also deserve mention and credit, the parents, without whose dedication and commitment the camp wouldn’t have happened and would certainly not have been as much of a success as it was, if it had happened at all. As well - our thanks to the Rick Hansen Institute Quality of Life Grant for helping fund this program. So a big thank you goes out to them for making it happen. Everyone is looking forward to the next camp.
Visit our facebook page for the photos and videos from the camp.
