CAMDEN, N.J. – The Camden Health & Athletic Association (CHAA) on Saturday hosted a free basketball skills and drills clinic for Camden children featuring the Philadelphia 76ers DUNK SQUAD presented by Dunkin’ Donuts.
More than 100 children participated in the clinic, which offered boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 15 the opportunity to learn more about the sport and practice fundamentals.
“The Camden Health & Athletic Association is committed to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to be part of a team and enjoy the camaraderie, health benefits and important life lessons that sports provide,” said Susan Bass Levin, President and CEO of The Cooper Foundation, a founding member of CHAA. “We are happy that the Philadelphia 76ers joined us today, and we look forward to future partnerships, especially with their training facility right here in Camden.”
The clinic was held at the Rutgers Camden Gymnasium. In addition to the Philadelphia 76ers DUNK SQUAD, special guests included: Assemblyman Arthur Barclay, former Camden High School Basketball Star and College player; Dajuan Wagner, former Camden High School Basketball Star and NBA player, and World B. Free, Ambassador of 76ers Basketball.
“Much of what I learned about leadership and teamwork, I learned on the basketball court,” said Barclay, who also serves as a CHAA board member. “CHAA recognizes that every kid deserves a chance to play, to experience the thrill of running down the court and hearing that swoosh sound as they sink a basket. It’s a feeling like no other.”
Wagner agreed, adding: “Basketball taught me to never give up. It also taught me that if you want to be good at something you have to work hard and practice. That doesn’t just apply to sports, it applies to most things in life.”
The Camden Health & Athletic Association partners with existing athletic clubs in Camden to expand access to sports programs for young people. The organization on Saturday assisted with registration for the upcoming basketball season with the Below the Rim, Camden Raiders, Centreville Simbas and North Camden youth basketball programs.
“The Camden Health & Athletic Association brings resources to help support a robust offering of sports programs throughout the year,” said Al Dyer, CHAA Executive Director. “We believe that any child who wants to join a sports team and play should have that opportunity.”
About the Camden Health & Athletic Association
launched in June 2016 with a $1 million initial investment by The Cooper Foundation of Cooper University Health Care, the Norcross
The Camden Health & Athletic Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding Camden’s
youth sports programs and health initiatives in Camden. The Association
Foundation and AmeriHealth New Jersey.