The Williams Lake Secondary School Thunder played host to a basketball skills camp April 15 at Chilcotin Road elementary.
“Even though our junior girls season has been over for a couple months, the girls were still eager to develop their skills and continue to promote the positive effects of sport in our community,” said Thunder coach Tara Burtenshaw.
“We noticed over the past 10 years a decline in the number of individuals who continue to play sports from elementary to high school, particularly with girls.”
Burtenshaw said they decided as a team to host the skills camp as a fundraiser while reaching out to young female athletes.
“It was our goal to foster confidence in these young players, build self-esteem and an opportunity to build positive relationships around a common love of sport,” she said.
The camp was held for girls grades 5-7. Twenty-four young students took part in the camp, which began at 9 a.m. and went until 3 p.m.
“While basketball skills were the focus of the camp, it was amazing to see the enthusiasm of the young players as they bonded with older role models,” she said.
“The older players took turns sharing their personal experiences with high school sports and how they have benefited from them.
“Stronger peer relationships, being part of a team and building personal confidence and self-esteem were among the many positive aspects.”
Burtenshaw said Tim Hortons provided camp participants T-shirts, while Panago, Save-On-Foods, Pioneer Log Homes and the 150 Mile Market all helped sponsor the camp through donating lunch, snacks and beverages.