The PGSS Polars are rallying around one of their own students.
The senior boys basketball team has organized a co-ed camp for Grade 6 to 8 players in Prince George on Sunday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All proceeds will go toward helping PGSS Grade 12 student Leora Wildi, who is dealing with continual health issues resulting from her battle with cancer.
"We want to help and what better way to utilize the vehicle we have, and we decided to put the camp on," said senior boys coach Nav Parmar.
Wildi was diagnosed with Leukemia in December of 2009 when she was 14 years old. She had a bone marrow transplant in 2010. Because of the treatment, including radiation, as well as chronic Graft versus Host disease resulting from the bone marrow transplant, Wildi's tendons and muscles are tightening and joints are stiffening because of a secondary condition called avascular necrosis, causing great pain and limited mobility.
The basketball camp will help athletes improve the fundamental skills they need to compete at the high school level.
UNBC men's basketball coach Todd Jordan, Polars Grade 10 stand-out point guard Tyrell Laing and the rest of the senior team will take participants through a series of drills that include dribbling, ball handling, proper form for a jump shot, and right-handed and left-handed lay-ups.
"We want the game of basketball to excel in Prince George," said Parmar. "We'll also touch on how to become leaders on and off the court and the mindset they need for playing at the high school level. We've had success and we saw positive results this season. If we can instill those skills into them at a younger age, it's great."
The camp at PGSS, at a cost of $10 per player, is open to any athlete in Grade 6 to 8 in Prince George. Sign-up sheets were dropped off at all the schools on Monday. Athletes can bring the money in the day of the camp. The $10 fee will go toward the cost of Wildi's medications.
"Any donation would be great," said Parmar, adding if this camp is successful, others will be organized. "All proceeds will go to Leora."
Besides Parmar and his assistant coach Chandan Sangha, two Grade 12 College Heights students - Aashka Jani and Arshdeep Sidhu - are helping out with fun activities for the players.
For more information on the camp, call Parmar 250-301-9995 or Sangha at 250-640-2923.
