Through Paula's leadership, our club received a District Simplified Grant to create a basketball camp for some kids who don't ordinarily get such special attention.   Here's Paula's report:  

Basketball was absolutely spectacular. We had donuts, muffins and juice for the “sign in” time.  There were 12 kids who actually got “coached” but there were several others milling about over the course of the morning as well.  We had 4 coaches, and Pastor Scott Caranza of Iglesia Gracia y Vida (the church and school) translated when necessary. 

The kids learned dribbling and jump stops, they learned proper passing techniques, right and left handed lay-ups, they did some other dribbling drills around cones and with some defenders, then they got in two lines and one line did lay-ups while the other line did rebounds and then switched. 

There is still need for a portable, adjustable hoop for the littler kids, which we might be able to afford from Foundation funds, Patty says.

In the grant, we purchased basketball backboards and hoops, supplies like the cones and some net jerseys for scrimmages, and ten basketballs and a basketball rack. We also had money for a coaching stipend, a translator and food.

Many neighborhood children will be served by the sporting equipment we provided. The church building is in the center of three trailer courts and apartment “projects”.  The schools in the area are 100% subsidized lunches, and the population of the area is largely Hispanic. Westwood is in the top three most destitute areas of Denver.

We grilled hotdogs, brats and corn for lunch.  And we had chips, watermelon and popsicles as well. 

We began the day with set-up at 8:30, where I was accompanied by Don Loyd, Rob Knuth and Josh Staller, as well as Scott Caranza. Spencer Mamber came by to take pictures, and Dick and Joanne Castleman helped with cooking and cleanup.  It was a great day of hands-on Rotary service.