The Playaz Youth Academy Basketball Summer Camp has concluded successfully despite facing setbacks caused by rain. The camp, which lasted for two weeks starting from July 24, saw the participation of youngsters aged 5 to 21 at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex. The camp aimed to engage the participants positively and divert their attention away from criminal activities.
Gregory Williams, the manager of the Playaz Youth Academy (PYA), highlighted the significance of providing the youth with an avenue to channel their energy into something positive, especially considering recent incidents of violence in Kingstown. The camp not only focused on basketball training but also featured sessions conducted by counselors, health practitioners, teachers, prison officers, and other professionals.
Williams expressed his satisfaction with the impact of the camp and the message delivered by the guest speakers. The Playaz Youth Academy aims to develop discipline and train the minds of the participants alongside their basketball skills. Despite increased costs due to reduced sponsorship support, the camp attracted 148 youths this year, with some even requesting it to be extended to three weeks.
The Playaz Youth Academy offers various programs catering to different age groups, including Saturday morning clinics and weekday after-school programs. However, the summer camp is the only activity that requires a fee, which helps cover expenses such as refreshments and transportation for the participants. The organization also faces challenges in recruiting volunteers and obtaining coaches due to the associated costs.
After a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the resumption of the camp last year was met with excitement from parents. They appreciated the impact of team sports, such as basketball, on character-building and developing camaraderie among the participants.
Having started in 2018, the Playaz Summer Camp has now completed its fourth year, following the launch of the Playaz Youth Academy the previous year.
Overall, despite the setbacks caused by rain and financial constraints, the Playaz Youth Academy Basketball Summer Camp has successfully provided youngsters with a positive outlet for their energy while fostering their basketball skills and discipline. With each passing year, the academy aims to improve and build upon its program, creating opportunities for more young individuals to engage in beneficial activities.
