For the fifth consecutive year, the Douglas College Royals visited the Sunshine Coast to run a basketball camp for local Special Olympics athletes and coaches.
On Sept. 21, assistant coach Hanna Klassen and 17 of her female athletes put a dozen local athletes through the paces. The high-paced drills and races kept everyone energized and kept the gym packed with smiles.
For the Royals, the camp allows them to give back to the sport they love and for Special Olympic athletes like Theresa Bystedt, it provides skill development and an opportunity to meet others who share enthusiasm for the sport.
Bruce Stuart has been attending the clinic regularly for years and he showed his leadership by being first in line for drills, and distributing the ball to all teammates in the scrimmage.
Wes Harrison’s tenacity on both ends of the court gained him a lot of fans from Royals playing with and against him in the scrimmage.
The camp kicks off the basketball season for Special Olympics, as athletes will be heading into the gym in October to continue to build skills.
If anyone would be interested in volunteering or participating with Special Olympics sport programs, please contact volunteer coordinator Marney Qually or program coordinator Pat Stuart.
Visit www.specialolympicssunshinecoast.ca to find out about the sports on offer.
– Submitted by Randy Younghusband
