Paul-Andre Walker, Staff Reporter
THE COMMUNITY of Arnett Gardens woke up to the sounds of their young having fun yesterday, as the first day of the Jeff Rodgers sponsored basketball camp got under way.
Playing on newly refurbished courts set in the colours of Arnett Gardens - red and black, children of all ages ignored searing sun just so they could get a chance to play.
While they played, they learnt valuable life lessons. They learnt to respect the National Anthem, the National Pledge and sang a campers pledge designed to get them to pay attention to those social graces that make us, for want of a better word - human.
One hundred and twenty children, not a single fight and not a single complaint, and Jamaica Amateur Basketball Association President Marlon Nattie, head of basketball's organising body, was pleased with the proceedings.
"It is very well organised. The kids are having fun. The coaches are giving the kids a lot of attention and that goes over well with them. Many of these kids have never been to something like this before. If you look at them, you'll realise they are just out of their minds with what has been happening today," he said.
STRONG IMPRESSION
Even the teenagers in the community who were expected to be the 'hardest sells' were impressed by the camp that used the fastest growing sport in Jamaica to reach the fastest growing section of the Jamaican population.
Thus, 120 children learnt something different yesterday and, hopefully, Rodgers and his crew of teachers and NBA players won't stop here but will make the camp an annual event.
"I was going to come to Jamaica even if I was going to come alone. I feel like a part of this country. I felt it through the negative that is said about this country," said Rodgers when he arrived on Sunday.
Scott Burrell of the NBA's Charlotte Hornets, arrived in the island on Sunday along with Rodgers and was also strong about the importance of ensuring that he made it to Jamaica for the camp.
"When you live in America, kids are fortunate and they take it for granted, so I think it's an honour to visit different cultures where good fortune isn't taken for granted. This is my 13th year as a part of the Jeff Rodgers Camp and not only does Jeff teach basketball, he teaches discipline ... discipline in the game and discipline in life and that's why it's important to keep things going," said Burrell.
