CAMDEN, N.J. – Professional basketball player and South Jersey native Michael Kidd-Gilchrist teamed up with the Camden Health & Athletic Association (CHAA) on Saturday to host the Association’s first ever youth basketball clinic.
More than 100 Camden children between the ages of 8 and 13 participated in the instructional clinic, which helped them develop their skills on and off the court. The clinic was held at the Rutgers-Camden Gymnasium.
In addition to providing instruction on shooting, passing, offense, and defense, Kidd-Gilchrist talked with participants about overcoming adversity, among other things.
“You are going to face plenty of challenges throughout your life – in sports, in school, at home – but if you work hard, you can succeed in whatever you set your mind to,” Kidd-Gilchrist told the young athletes. “Be proud that you are from South Jersey. With organizations like the Camden Health & Athletic Association, there are more and more opportunities for young people every day.”
Kidd-Gilchrist grew up in Somerdale, N.J. and is invested in giving back and providing opportunities for young people – especially children who have learning disabilities.
“We are thrilled that Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is sharing his talent, skills, and insight,” said Susan Bass Levin, Chairman of the CHAA Board of Trustees and President and CEO of The Cooper Foundation. “For our young athletes to learn from Michael, a professional basketball player, is a terrific experience for them, and by helping our children succeed, we help our entire community succeed.”
CHAA has partnered with youth sports programs offering basketball, soccer, football, baseball, and softball. More than 1,000 children have participated on various teams throughout the year.
“Sports can play a critical role in the lives of children, teaching them leadership skills and the importance of teamwork,” said Al Dyer, CHAA Executive Director. “As we continue to grow the Camden Health & Athletic Association, we look forward to partnering with other talented professional athletes to share their knowledge and love of the game with our young people.”
In addition, Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper has provided more than 150 free youth athletic physicals since the Association began. CHAA is committed to fostering healthier and stronger communities through youth athletic programs.
“Today’s basketball clinic is part of our mission at the Camden Health & Athletic Association to promote healthy activities for Camden children and families,” said Assemblyman and former Camden High basketball star Arthur Barclay. “I am grateful to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist for joining us and for lending his support to our efforts to ensure all kids have the opportunity to become champions.”
About the Camden Health & Athletic Association
The Camden Health & Athletic Association is a nonprofit organization aimed at expanding Camden’s youth sports programs and promoting healthy lifestyles. The Association launched in June 2016 with a $1 million initial investment by The Cooper Foundation of Cooper University Health Care, the Norcross Foundation and AmeriHealth New Jersey.