SATURDAY, JUNE 13
So, today was my first day helping Power Forward with a basketball camp that gathered about 230 kids ages 8-18. I’ve been looking forward to seeing and playing with the kids since the start of the trip! Not to mention, everyone sang me happy birthday when I got there. Imagine hundreds of Haitian players and kids of various ages singing and clapping for you. It was an incredible way to kick off the day.
Let me set the scene for you: there were two courts, one indoors and one outdoors. – the indoor court was mainly for older, more skilled players, and the outdoor court for the younger. I was playing indoors for most of the day, but I also got to spend some time outside.
When I was playing with the younger kids, I was really taken back by their athleticism and skill. I could see that some had never played the sport before, but it was so apparent that they had that innate ability to pick up a ball, practice, and develop.
Like I said, the older players were inside, and I got the chance to play with them for a solid portion of the day. Initially, we just ran through drills to warm up. It was crazy to see kids in 8th grade being able to rise above the rim and dunk. One kid actually dunked so hard that his hand got stuck in the rim!
Now, some kids didn’t have basketball sneakers or clothing to play in, but I recognized that this didn’t really matter to them. They were there to play, have fun, and learn. Additionally, not everyone spoke English, so it was difficult at times to communicate, but I was able to see that whenever I tried teaching or showing something, they were so focused and intent on listening so they could pick up on what I was relaying to them. Their determination was seriously remarkable.
The coaches were great throughout the day, helping translate at times and displaying their personal dedication to the kids. It was evident that they built strong bonds with them with the clear desire to help them grow. The consistently high energy today got me so excited to be there and be a part of the motives that Power Forward has in place.
All in all, the first day of camp was such a rewarding experience. The kids participating are not only great basketball players with unbelievable potential, but they’re also just great people with an understanding of important values. The cool thing is that I could tell this without even being able to speak with them. Power Forward proved itself as a strong organization with unmatched potential. These kids deserve this opportunity, and I can’t wait to continue doing my part and help.
SUNDAY, JUNE 14
While yesterday was so cool to initially play with the kids and see how the camp was run, today was undeniably special for a few different reasons.
We began the day with drills again, and I already noticed vast improvements with the kids’ game and skills, just from one day of practice. They were running through what they learned on the side and doing anything possible to improve.
Under Armour gave Power Forward 250 pairs of basketball sneakers to in turn give to the kids. Nobody had any clue they would be getting them and were so excited upon finding out. The kids stepped up one by one to receive their new pair of sneakers. It truly was an amazing moment
Shortly after I got the chance to speak with the Prime Minister of Sports in Haiti, who stopped by to watch the sneaker delivery and speak to everyone. I wasn’t aware until today that this is a huge deal in this country, as the prime minister knowingly supports and favors soccer.
After all of the hype with the sneakers, it was time for the Power Forward camp All-Star game. The best 14 players, 7 on each team, suited up to play a highly entertaining match off. The kids are unbelievable players and athletes. It was so fun to watch – and just as a side note, at least half of the kids on the floor were over 6’5.
To close an epic day, four kids, (two boys and two girls) were awarded scholarships to go to school. These scholarships represent a huge opportunity for the kids, being that their families can’t typically support funding school. The kids were by no means the best players at the camp, but they were four of the smartest and well-behaved and definitely well-deserving of these awards. All in all it was an awesome way to finish out this great weekend with Power Forward. I can’t thank the organization enough for allowing me to be a part of this camp.
