For the next 2 weeks, youths between the ages of 8 to 17 years across the country will be able to participate in a major, national basketball training camp.
The camp is organized by the Belize Basketball Federation called "Ballers for Life" where aspiring players can get a 2-week course on the fundamentals and finer points of the game.
Today, 7News stopped by the first day of the Belize's City camp at the Bird's Isle, and we spoke with a few young ballers who signed up.
David Lacey - Secretary, Belize District Basketball Association
"The basket ball federation and its president Paula Thompson were anxious to have some kind of summer event for the younger players so with the assistance from the Minster of Sports and from Smart, they got funding for a nationwide set of camps, one in each district. So they contacted the Belize District basketball association to organize the Belize District camp here in Belize City, so we put out a notice for children from age eight through seventeen to show up, so today we are trying to register them and organize them into their respective age groups so we can get going in a more organize way tomorrow. We have some people helping us to develop some of their basic skills so we have a better set of players when we move on to other tournaments and so forth."
Daniel Ortiz
"What are some of the things that you had them do this morning?"
Keith Acosta - Coordinator, Basketball Camp
"Basically, was just warming up drills and trying to get minimum strength training, which is important if they want to continue basketball players and just some little warm up drills."
Ajae Adolphus - Young Baller
"We were practicing like training and stuff, so we can get ready for the end of the basketball camp. I really think that at the end we will challenge other camps and at the end we will get a shirt and a certificate. I really think the camp will be fun for all the children."
Daniel Ortiz
"So tell us about your first day at the camp."
Eric Frazer - Young Baller
"It feels good."
Daniel Ortiz
"Do you intend to continue?"
Eric Frazer
"Yes Sir."
Daniel Ortiz
"So, what kind of skills do you have as a basketballer."
Eric Frazer
"Dribbling."
Daniel Ortiz
"Why did you come out today?"
Shaheim Valerio - Young Baller
"Because I want to get better."
Daniel Ortiz
"And what kind of skills, what position do you want to focus on."
Shaheim Valerio
"Shooting guard."
Daniel Ortiz
"Jody, tell us about your first day at the camp."
Jody Ortiz - Young Baller
"It's great."
Daniel Ortiz
"Ok and tell us about the drills you were doing, were they difficult for you?"
Jody Ortiz
"No, Sir."
Daniel Ortiz
"How long have you been playing basketball?"
Jody Ortiz
"I just started, Sir."
The basketball camp is free courtesy of the Ministry of Sports, Smart, and other sponsors. The camp continues until next week Friday. Anyone who would like to sign up can show up to the Bird's Isle and speak with the coordinators.
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