The Tribune

THANKS to dedicated volunteers and generous donors such as Consolidated Water Company (CWCO), the D Squad Summer Basketball Camp, now 10 years running, had another excellent summer helping children build character through basketball.

CWCO, which develops and operates seawater desalination plants and water distribution systems in areas of the world where potable water is scarce or non-existent, has sponsored the camp for two years and stepped up to the plate again to assist this summer.

The camp, which accepts children aged five through 19, hosted 115 kids, many of whom were admitted free of charge from the surrounding neighbourhoods of the AF Adderley gymnasium where the camp is held.

The name ‘D-Squad’ comes from coach Harcourt McCoy’s philosophy for success - ‘Drive, Determination, Dedication, and Discipline.’ Coach McCoy stated that beyond developing the young athletes’ fundamental basketball skills, his camp encourages sportsmanship and personal development. He thanked CWCO for their belief in this vision and continuous support. “As long as the kids want to learn the game and are well-behaved, we keep an open door policy. We don’t turn any kids away on the basis of money, and Consolidated Water was very important to us in that. Their donation allowed us to buy basketballs for the kids, camp t-shirts, ice, water and fruit along with other necessities. We really appreciate how they came to our aid.”

Bryan Russell, CWCO general manager, said the company, whose headquarters are a short drive from the gym, was happy to support the efforts of the camp.

“Consolidated Water is always very keen to support programmes that are making a positive difference in the communities and neighbourhoods that we operate in. We admire coach McCoy and the volunteers at D-Squad for the impact they are making in these campers’ lives though basketball and we are glad that we could do our part to help.”