Basketball camp provides special opportunities
Throughout Chesapeake Energy’s fitness center, the echoes of basketballs hitting hardwood floors could be heard as athletes practiced during a special basketball camp.
In the gymnasium, nearly 20 athletes were going through drills as part of a basketball camp that looked and sounded like any other, which was the primary intention.
The Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma held one of its annual basketball camps this month, and children ages 10 through 18 with Down syndrome had the opportunity to be treated like any other athlete.
Jill Harrison, executive director of the association, said the idea for the camp came from a mother who works for the Oklahoma City Thunder and thought her child needed something to feel included.
“She decided to get it started,” Harrison said, and the camp has taken place the past three years, Chesapeake Energy provides its basketball court free of charge.
“At the Down Syndrome Association, we say we’re more alike than different. I think that a lot of times, whether they mean to or not, some of the more traditional camps are intimidated by taking a child with Down syndrome,” Harrison said.
“So, it’s important that they be given experiences that are similar to any other child because ultimately, they’re just kids.
“They want to go to camp like their siblings and their friends. This gives them a fun place to do it with volunteers and coaches who understand that they might need to go at a little different pace, but they still get the full experience.”
Harrison said the association takes up to 20 kids for each basketball camp and the spots get filled every year.
Hannah Barnthouse, program coordinator with the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma, explained why the camp is so beneficial for children with Down syndrome.
“It’s wonderful. The kids get so excited, they have a blast. They get to finally hang out with all of their friends and play sports.”
George Cerbu, 18, and Emily Nelson, 16, said they loved every minute of the camp.
They said they enjoy the camp so much because they are able to interact with other kids around their age and play the game they love.
Harrison said all spots are filled for the next camp, which is 1 to 3 p.m. daily, July 28-30.