Local kids once again have the opportunity to hone their basketball skills and learn life lessons during the third annual Friday Nite Basketball program starting in October.
The program provides youth the opportunity to hone sports skills and gain confidence through the non-profit Christian group Athletes in Action.
"Our motto at Athletes in Action is 'Victory beyond competition,'" said Paul Siemens, 麻豆社国产division Friday Nite Basketball commissioner.
"We focus on basketball skills but we also like to work with the kids physically, emotionally and spiritually."
The program is open to everyone, said Siemens, and its purpose is to instil solid values in each attendee.
"We really want kids to know just how amazing they are as individuals," he said. "Some of these kids might not come from great homes where they don't hear how valuable and important they are. We want to help them realize their intrinsic value as individuals."
Friday Nite Basketball can also help prepare more serious basketball players for the game when they enter high school.
"In elementary school a lot of kids don't play much basketball in gym class," he said.
"This camp will help kids get more comfortable with the fundamentals and the skills needed to play high school basketball."
A typical Friday starts off with warm-up exercises, during which the theme for the night will be established, such as encouragement. Thereafter, players would try their best to encourage teammates and promote positive feedback.
A number of basketball drills typically follow with three key fundamentals: dribbling, driving and shooting.
A break with refreshments is next, which is partnered up with a lesson on the teachings of Jesus Christ. The evening will then end off with a scrimmage.
The Friday night sessions ordinarily last from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and kids are divided by age, usually with grades 1 to 4 learning separately from grade 5 and up.
The camp will kick off on Friday, Oct. 8 and continuing until Friday, Feb. 25, 2011. Registration will take place on Friday, Sept. 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 麻豆社国产McDonald's located at 38451 Cleveland Avenue.
The cost of the camp is $120 for returning players and $135 for new players. The fee includes a ball, t-shirt and jersey.
Those interested can contact Siemens by phone at 604-815-4484 or via e-mail at [email protected].
For more information, visit www.athletesinaction.com/basketball/myweb.php?hls=10120.
