Valdosta State men’s hoops gives back with Little Blazers camp
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - While it’s the familiar sounds of basketball echo across The Complex, the squeaking of sneakers comes from someone different.
“Smiles, laughter, these kids have a lot of different personalities,” said Blazer guard MJ Jones. “It’s good to give back and be here with the kids.”
Kids have taken over at Valdosta State, as this week marked year 21 of the Blazers giving back to Little Blazers.
“I just like that I’m getting to meet all the players and stuff,” said eight year old Rook Crane.
“A lot of the kids who played college basketball where I’m from gave back to me,” said Jones. “Me being able to give back to these kids means everything.”
That’s what it’s all about.
“We ask them the first day if they’ve come to a game this year, and probably 80% of them raise their hands,” said Helfer.
Building bonds from the court to the community
“They know my name, they’re calling my name!” said Everett Steele of one of his favorite parts of camp. “It’s just cool.”
“It teaches our guys how important it is to be a role model,” said Helfer. “When they see these same kids that are in the stands during games that are here at camp, you’re not just teaching them basketball, you’re being a role model and I think that’s good for our guys.”
It’s good for everyone.
“Being able to talk to them and being able to play with them, it’s just fun,” said Steele.
“You never know what one encounter with a kid can do,” added Jones. “What they’re going through at home, you just never know. It just means everything.”
For a list of basketball camps at Valdosta State, click here.
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