Extraordinary things happen when you bring together adults who possess outstanding interpersonal skills, expertise in a given field, and a love and passion for young people with youth who are eager to learn and to let those adults impart knowledge and skills into their lives. Such an event took place at Lucy Addison Middle School on Saturday, March 24, as the Gainsboro YMCA hosted its 4th Annual Basketball Camp.
On this wintery Saturday, Ramon and Damon Williams, founders of Twin Hoops Sports, along with a host of volunteers, came together to impact the lives of Roanoke Valley youth. The camp began with a variety of warmup exercises as 50 3rd through 8th graders maneuvered through stretching and sprint drills. Resounding through the gym was an echoing sound of adults clapping and chanting “…let’s go” and …“you can do it” They continued with an array of passing drills with youth paired and given instructions on proper bounce and chest pass techniques. The sound of bouncing balls resonated through the gym, with the Williams twins mazing through the group, offering both individual and collective encouragement and coaching.
Intensity was evident on every face as the camp culminated with a basketball competition. Campers were grouped into teams and given the opportunity to showcase the skills learned throughout the morning. Ramon and Damon, along with camp volunteers, quickly switched roles and became referees, officiating the games and reinforcing just-acquired skills in real time.
But paramount to the camp were the group discussions interwoven into the instruction and drills. It was during these five-to-ten minute breaks that campers gazed attentively at Ramon and Damon as they imparted values and life experiences. They spoke on the importance of patience, and how becoming better at anything is a process that takes time and demonstrated how success in basketball, and in life, requires hard work, and how a positive attitude always breeds achievement.
As a result of the positive energy, excellent instruction and life-enhancing dialogue between adults and youth, the 4th Annual Gainsboro YMCA Basketball Camp was truly extraordinary.
Father/Son and Family event
The YMCA Express at Gainsboro cordially invites all families to its [86th Annual Father-Son and Family event] at Lucy Addison Middle School on Saturday, June 16. The day will consist of a community fun fair for all ages from 3-5pm in the Addison gym, followed by the Father-Son and Family Ceremony in the Addison auditorium, featuring Ramon and Damon Williams as keynote speakers, culminating with dinner in the cafeteria catered by Golden Corral. To register, call the Gainsboro branch at 540-344-9622. “Look forward to seeing you there!”
Jonathan G. Pait, is executive branch director of YMCA Express Gainsboro & Y Afterschool.
For more information, please call 540-344-9622 Ext. 302.
