As part of the mission of the program, participants not only go through intensive basketball training but also develop life skills and leadership both on and off the court. Campers were encouraged during the life skills seminar in the morning when told that they should be proud of themselves because they are the future of basketball, but camp directors also kept them grounded with a reminder that “you can only get out of it what you put in!”

Dignitaries including Mr. Bob Elphinston, President of FIBA World, Mr. Harish Sharma, Secretary General of Basketball Federation of India, Mr. Emilio Collins, NBA Vice President of International Development and Ms. Kim Bohuny, Vice President of Basketball Operations International attended the press conference, all giving the message of how campers should make full use of this great opportunity to learn from some of the best NBA coaches, to develop their potential as players and leaders to its fullest. Campers could not wait till the end when they took to the courts eager to show off their skills and the reason they were chosen, best amongst their age group in their home country, showing what it meant to play with passion, with a heart and a head.

Falling into their teams that included Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz and LA Lakers, they were taken through different skills trainings by coaches and players, rotating to each station every 15 minutes. This being the second BWB experience for Chinese camper Dong Hanlin, he expressed that “most basketball camps are more or less the same, I certainly enjoy being back here again but I also understand that there’s only so much you can do within a few days. Most importantly I hope to be equipped with the method and technique of training and running drills that will help to improve my overall performance in this game.”

Reigning from the city of Varanasi UP, Indian camper Arjun Singh was one of two campers from the local team back in their hometown. They had just arrived from Bangalore on Wednesday during which they were trained for the upcoming Asian Basketball Championships. “I’m really excited about this camp, there’s a lot I want to learn as a point guard, not only the basic skills but also polish my shooting and posting skills. This is a great camp and even though it’s only been a day, I’ve enjoyed it so much! Come talk to me again on Sunday and I’ll tell you what I’ve learn!”

A Visit to Remember
After a busy morning at the camp, the NBA players headed out in to the community to experience India off the basketball court. At their visit to the Sahara Center for Residential Care and Rehabilitation Pat Garrity, Kyle Korver, Linton Johnson, Ronny Turiaf, Sam Perkins and Dominique Wilkins had the experience of being a part of a true community. A program that provides services, treatment and counseling to people who are affected by HIV/AIDS and drug addiction, the Sahara Center is run by former clients who used the center to get healthy. Sahara also serves as a safe place for women and children who have been rescued from domestic abuse or the sex trade.

The players were presented with garlands by children of Sahara clients as they made their way off the bus. Volunteers and clients were eager to share their stories of both success and of on-going struggle with the group as they sat for tea in the main courtyard. The visit to Sahara was documented by the players stamping their handprints and signing their names on a welcome banner that had been created by the children. Donations that were distributed to Sahara included Kyle Korver’s contribution of Converse shoes for every client at the Sahara Center along with an NBA contribution of clothing and medical supplies. The afternoon wrapped with the players being challenged to prove they were more than basketball superstars in an impromptu soccer game with the children.

This 4th of July was without barbecues and fireworks celebrations here in India, but instead today’s celebration was of the human spirit and the power of giving back.