Final 2010 Summer Thunder Youth Basketball Camp Begins Next Monday, but More Planned for Future
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Rumble makes a surprise visit to campers.
By Phil Bacharach
Peter Kierl loved his experience last spring attending Thunder Youth Basketball Camp. He enjoyed it so much, in fact, he made sure his parents signed him up for another of the camps held during the summer.
“There are all these types of drills that I love,” said the 9-year-old. “The coaches are nice. It was really fun. It was just awesome.”
His enthusiasm apparently runs in the family. At both camps, he was joined by 8–year-old brother Patrick and 6-year-old sister Maureen.
Their mother, Ann Kierl, said all three are eager to go again when more of the five-day camps are scheduled.
“They were excited to be there every morning,” she said with a chuckle.
“When I picked them up, they were talking about it with each other and were very excited in the car. I know that was a good sign that they liked it. It’s the best basketball camp we’ve attended. My husband coaches basketball, and he would go to the camps and watch. He was very, very impressed with it.”
Presented by Cox Communications, Thunder Youth Basketball Camp kicks off its sixth and final session of the summer on Monday, Aug. 9, at Transformation Fitness Center in Edmond. Two of the Thunder’s most recent acquisitions, guard Daequan Cook and center Cole Aldrich, are scheduled to be on hand Wednesday to help campers with such skills as shooting and defense. In addition, Rumble the Bison will appear Tuesday to demonstrate some of his inimitable, bison-y talents.
To register for the camp, click HERE or simply register onsite at the facility at 14701 N. Kelly in Edmond.
The camps are aimed at teaching children between the ages of 5 to 16 the fundamentals of basketball as well as the life lessons – teamwork, sportsmanship, hard work, humility, discipline and respect – that stem from the game. More than 500 boys and girls have participated in the camps since the first one was held in March.
“We are excited about, and grateful for, the tremendous response that the camps have had from young people and parents, and we look forward to building on the program in the months and years to come,” said Dan Mahoney, the Thunder’s vice president of corporate communications and community relations. The full Thunder Youth Basketball program also includes the Oklahoma City Youth Basketball League, run by the OKC Department of Parks and Recreation. Mahoney said additional leagues, clinics, camps and other events are planned.
“Thunder Youth Basketball is a key part of the Thunder’s ongoing efforts to give back to the community, particularly when it comes to improving the lives of youth. Our camps provide a fun, lively and productive way for kids to learn basketball as well as those things that will help them off the court.”
Each camp has boasted a Thunder presence ranging from the Thunder Girls and Rumble to Thunder players and coaches. Campers have received tips and insights from Aldrich, Cook, guard Eric Maynor, forward Serge Ibaka and center Byron Mullens. Other special guests have included Thunder assistant coach Rex Kalamian and Nate Tibbetts, who is head coach for the Thunder’s Development-League team, the Tulsa 66ers.
Thunder Season Ticket Members and members of the Thunder Kids Club are entitled to a 20-percent discount off registration. Each camper receives a Thunder Youth Basketball T-shirt, basketball, headband and bag, as well as a ticket to an upcoming Thunder game. The Thunder works with the National Basketball Academy to run the camps. The Academy organizes youth basketball programs for several other NBA teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Peter Kierl loved his experience last spring attending Thunder Youth Basketball Camp. He enjoyed it so much, in fact, he made sure his parents signed him up for another of the camps held during the summer.
“There are all these types of drills that I love,” said the 9-year-old. “The coaches are nice. It was really fun. It was just awesome.”
His enthusiasm apparently runs in the family. At both camps, he was joined by 8–year-old brother Patrick and 6-year-old sister Maureen.
Their mother, Ann Kierl, said all three are eager to go again when more of the five-day camps are scheduled.
“They were excited to be there every morning,” she said with a chuckle.
“When I picked them up, they were talking about it with each other and were very excited in the car. I know that was a good sign that they liked it. It’s the best basketball camp we’ve attended. My husband coaches basketball, and he would go to the camps and watch. He was very, very impressed with it.”
Presented by Cox Communications, Thunder Youth Basketball Camp kicks off its sixth and final session of the summer on Monday, Aug. 9, at Transformation Fitness Center in Edmond. Two of the Thunder’s most recent acquisitions, guard Daequan Cook and center Cole Aldrich, are scheduled to be on hand Wednesday to help campers with such skills as shooting and defense. In addition, Rumble the Bison will appear Tuesday to demonstrate some of his inimitable, bison-y talents.
To register for the camp, click HERE or simply register onsite at the facility at 14701 N. Kelly in Edmond.
The camps are aimed at teaching children between the ages of 5 to 16 the fundamentals of basketball as well as the life lessons – teamwork, sportsmanship, hard work, humility, discipline and respect – that stem from the game. More than 500 boys and girls have participated in the camps since the first one was held in March.
“We are excited about, and grateful for, the tremendous response that the camps have had from young people and parents, and we look forward to building on the program in the months and years to come,” said Dan Mahoney, the Thunder’s vice president of corporate communications and community relations. The full Thunder Youth Basketball program also includes the Oklahoma City Youth Basketball League, run by the OKC Department of Parks and Recreation. Mahoney said additional leagues, clinics, camps and other events are planned.
“Thunder Youth Basketball is a key part of the Thunder’s ongoing efforts to give back to the community, particularly when it comes to improving the lives of youth. Our camps provide a fun, lively and productive way for kids to learn basketball as well as those things that will help them off the court.”
Each camp has boasted a Thunder presence ranging from the Thunder Girls and Rumble to Thunder players and coaches. Campers have received tips and insights from Aldrich, Cook, guard Eric Maynor, forward Serge Ibaka and center Byron Mullens. Other special guests have included Thunder assistant coach Rex Kalamian and Nate Tibbetts, who is head coach for the Thunder’s Development-League team, the Tulsa 66ers.
Thunder Season Ticket Members and members of the Thunder Kids Club are entitled to a 20-percent discount off registration. Each camper receives a Thunder Youth Basketball T-shirt, basketball, headband and bag, as well as a ticket to an upcoming Thunder game. The Thunder works with the National Basketball Academy to run the camps. The Academy organizes youth basketball programs for several other NBA teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves.
