“Our camp focuses on being a good student athlete, as well as being a good, productive person in society. Basketball is a vehicle that we can get their attention. We try to talk to them about other aspects of their life.”
Those were the inspirational words that Los Angeles Laker legend Michael Cooper used to describe the goal of his five day basketball camp held at Lynwood’s Firebaugh High School last week.
“What are the five D’s”, Coop asked 30-45 campers with a few raising their hands. “Well the five D’s are determination, dedication, desire, discipline and decision making.” Cooper stated that his five D’s are the most important lesson kids should take from his basketball camp. “Those five words can help you become a pretty good player, but they can help you be a spectacular citizen in our society. The bottom line is basketball, sports, are just a small window of who you are.
The campers were also treated to a special quest, Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Homer Simpson from the classic show “The Simpsons” show. Ms. Cartwright is also involved with the group, “The Drug Free World” that helps to educate kids on drug prevention, peer pressure and the dangers of drugs.
As one parent said, “It is great that events like this come to Lynwood which give our youngsters a chance to learn how to play and live the right way.”