Between two hundred and three hundred schoolchildren of different age categories, were at an annual basketball summer camp this week – at Viceroy Anguilla – hosted by the Anguilla Youth Sports Foundation and Viceroy, and supported by various other sponsors.
The overall event, called Anguilla Youth Foundation Sports and Music Week, is an initiative by a group of Anguillians. It was founded by Mr. Thomas (Eddie) Kelly who resides in the New York-New Jersey area and has as some of its members Brent Warner, Courtney Morton and Javille Brooks in Anguilla. The Foundation has ready access to a number of American basketball stars who come to Anguilla each year to conduct camp sessions. The event is now in its seventh year and is something that many youth in Anguilla look forward to during the early part of the summer holidays.
The visiting basketball players, along with the patriotic Mr. Kelly, arrived in Anguilla on Monday afternoon and were met at the Blowing Point Passenger Terminal by Chief Minister Mr. Victor Banks; Minister of Social Development, Mr. Evans McNiel Rogers; Parliamentary Secretary, Sports and Tourism, Mr. Cardigan Connor; and Ms. Brenda Gumbs of the Anguilla Tourist Board.
“Welcome to the Anguilla Youth Sports and Music Week,” Mr. Kelly told the gathering. “We have members Brent Warner, Courtney Morton and Javille Brooks whose tremendous undertaking has helped us to get everything together. We are happy to have with us Anthony Davis, superstar with the New Orleans Pelicans; and Ben McLemore 7th pick for the 2013 draft of the Sacramento Kings; on the island to help assist the kids with basketball skills. We are very thankful for all the help that we have received on the island from the Government, Social Security, Viceroy, other properties and restaurants. We are very appreciative for their support.”
Responding to a question, Mr. Kelly continued: “The camp culminates on July 18 with the Music Fest at Sandy Ground to which all are invited. I would describe myself as an Anguillian at heart. Anguilla has been very good to me so what I am doing is just giving back a little and saying thanks.”
Speaking at a press conference at Viceroy on Tuesday morning, Mr. Kelly introduced the two basketball stars – Davis who is on his second visit and McLemore who is on his first. Kelly said that the Anguilla youth were fortunate to have a basketball star like Davis on the island to work with them; and that Davis was so delighted with the island that he brought members of his family with him.
Mr. Cardigan Connor told The Anguillian: “When you have a young player of Anthony Davis’ quality, and the fact that a number of young Anguillians are very much into basketball – to have him come back for a second year, says something about him and about the island. The youngsters are looking forward to meeting him again and working along with him. I think it is a huge positive. Eddie Kelly has done a terrific job – first of all to introduce Anthony Davis to Anguilla and once he was introduced it was a case of Davis saying he loved to come back and to bring his extended family as well.”
Giving one reason for his attraction to Anguilla, Davis remarked: “All you have to do is turn and look to the right and it is not hard at all.” He was referring to the enchanting crystal clear water and powdery sand at Meads Bay, just north of Viceroy Resort.
Viceroy’s General Manager, Mr. Richard Alexander, passed on his written comments to The Anguillian. “It is our honour to host this prestigious and important event,” he stated. “Viceroy Anguilla is dedicated to supporting the youth of this special island and this is just one of the ways we give back to our community.”
Mr. Alexander added: “I would like to thank Thomas Kelly for creating this event; the Anguilla Government for their sponsorship and dedication to this program; the professional players, especially Anthony Davis who has taken time to be a positive influence to our youth.
“Incidentally, later this week, the players will be filling backpacks with school supplies for Anguilla’s schoolchildren as part of our 3rd annual ‘Backpacks & Giveback’ initiative. We thank the players in advance for helping us promote tourism and education through this community outreach program.
“Have fun! Enjoy the camp.”
