The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

JEFF Rodgers, who has ran a successful summer basketball camp for more than 20 years, is lending his expertise to Khaalis Rolle as the Member of Parliament for Pinewood hosts his first Christmas Basketball Camp in the area.

Rolle, the minister of state for investments, is all set to host the free-for-all yuletide season basketball camp for boys and girls between the ages of five and 18 December 17-29 between the hours of 5:30-8 pm on the Pinewood Gardens basketball court.

“This basketball camp was considered because of the fact that we know that for two weeks, we will have boys and girls out of school during the Christmas holiday and it is important to get them involved in some type of constructive programme,” Rodgers said.

“Just like the summer and the easter, we believe that it is very important for us to give them something positive and we believe the basketball camp is one of these ways that we can attract them and keep them interested. So we will teach them the fundamentals of the game and also about the importance of the game of life.”

Pinewood, according to Rolle, will lead the way in ensuring that the young people in society have a positive outlet in which they can maximise their potential in an environment that is conducive to the season to be jolly, giving and sharing. He encouraged the children of the community and those that are interested to come out and participate.

The camp is being held feee of charge. However, the first 100 children to sign up will receive a free basketball and t-shirt.

Rodgers said some of the instructors who have assisted him in his annual Jeff Rodgers Summer Basketball Camp like Mitch Johnson, Kamer Taylor and Howard King will be lending their expertise as professional players to the participants of the camp.

“Each of these persons are people who grew up in the (Jeff Rodgers) camp and are professional athletes,” Rodgers said. “We will be teaching life stories, having rap sessions and the kids will have a chance to express themselves about anything they want to and we will deal with it.

“For the most part, we will be teaching them a lot of basketball skills. But we want to ensure that they get a well-rounded experience by the time they leave the camp.”

With the sessions being held in the cool of the day when the majority of people will be off from work, Rodgers said they are hoping that parents will also take the opportunity to come out and watch their children as they go through the routine that is being played by the instructors.

Special trophies will also be given out during the closing night of the camp on Saturday, December 29. At that time, Rodgers said they will also stage an exhibition game featuring the young men in the community.

“Pinewood Gardens, get ready to feel the spirit of Christmas,” Rolle said.