BCI Basketball Plus: Philadelphia“Professional athletes have a big influence on their fans, especially the younger generations. So who’s influencing the players? BCI has created a community of shared values among basketball players. They influence players who, in turn, inspire player-to-player. This internal call to accountability is something we need now – more than ever – in this industry.” – John Hammond, General Manager, Milwaukee Bucks On April 24, BCI Basketball Plus visited Philadelphia in partnership with Spruce Hill Christian School and City Center Academy (a member of the StreetSchool Network). About 80 kids experienced for a full Saturday of basketball skills and personal encouragement. Several parents and guardians also attended our camp, expressing enthusiasm for the way BCI integrates values and “hero” talk into our basketball program. “You sure hit a homerun this weekend,” said Seth Cohen, Headmaster of Spruce Hill Christian School. Scott Stewart, a 3-year starter for Florida and a former European pro basketball player, led the on-court instruction, basketball fundamentals, and drills. Also on the court: Philadelphia Biblical University’s Head Basketball Coach, Jared Yoder, and some of his players. Thanks to Philadelphia Biblical University (and Director of Athletics, Drew Watson) for providing their excellent, 6-basket court for the day. Stewart told us after the camp, “Keep up the high level of professionalism as I think that says a lot about your camp and can be the difference between your Basketball Plus camp and most other camps.” Off-court sessions were led by Pastor Chad Bruegman, the dynamic teaching pastor of Red Rocks Church in Denver and a BCI board member. He energized and challenged the kids with conversation about heroes, character, integrity, and choices. Tom Weiss and the GT Beverage Company, based in California, was the main sponsor for this camp. Lunch was provided by Steak ‘n Hoagie and pizza during the last session was provided by Pizza US1. Big thanks to all of the volunteers, sponsors, kids, and parents who helped make the BCI Basketball Plus camp in Philadelphia a great success. Two of the cards we received from the kids in Philadelphia: “Thank you! I really appreciate what you did for us! – Michelle” and “Thanks! We had a lot of fun at the camp. Love, Winston.” Denver Post Article, May 8th: Upcoming EventsLos Angeles* – BCI Basketball Plus Camp, August 21 (locations TBD) Chicago – BCI will collaborate with S.T.A.R.S Youth Leadership Summit and Chicago-based Triple Threat Mentoring, September 24-25 NBA Summer League Jakarta, Indonesia – BCI Edge, in partnership with Basketball Connections, has been invited by a regional university to provide a basketball symposium and play a series of games there, August 3 - 18. Additional events and details will be announced. Sponsorship News & OppsStephen Butters has joined BCI as our new Sponsorship Liaison. A fan of all sports, especially basketball, Stephen has 17 years of experience in complex solution sales, business development, and event services. He and his wife, Kyrene, live in Colorado with a lab named Mojo. We are pleased to welcome Stephen to our team! Contact Stephen with sponsorship inquiries: stephen@bciedge.org. Get Involved!Upcoming camps and clinics feature fun, visible opportunities for the BCI community to step up and make a difference in local venues. For all 2010 events, we are now reserving spots for: Event sponsors (corporate, partner, and individual) We appreciate your continued support – and your ideas about new ways BCI can get involved in communities like yours. As always, if you know of an opportunity for BCI to partner with an organization in your area, or if you would like to support our vision in other ways, please email us at info@bciedge.org. |