GRANTS, N.M. - Last week was spring break for many local students. Some young athletes got to spend part of the week in a basketball skills’ camp provided by Grants Recreation Department, Future Foundations Family Center. This was just one of many camps that Grants Recreation has been putting together since November, according to Grants Recreation Director Joaquin Jiron.
The turnout for these basketball skills camps was a success; more than 150 youngsters participated. All camps since November have been completely free. The registration period for the spring break camp was March 15-19, operating on a first-come-first-serve basis, and the actual camp was held March 22-26. The camps were co-ed and offered sessions for three age groups — first/second grade, third/fourth grade, and fifth/sixth grade. These sessions typically began in the evening but were held in the mornings during last week. Some of the skills covered shooting, dribbling, conditioning, self-rebounding, et cetera.
“We wanted to offer basketball to the youth of our community in these times that we could not have our regular season,” said Jiron.
“These camps would not have been possible without the hard work of Grants Recreation Supervisor Andrew Maxwell. Andrew worked really hard to ensure that we did this as safely as possible and followed all guidelines. He reached out to volunteer coaches and explained expectations to all. Our volunteer coaches did such a great job in conducting these skills’ camps. Thank you to Max Ortega, Josh Marquez, Vivian Carlson, Jason Carlson, Joshua Canaba, Angel Valdez, and George Romero for doing a great job.”
Jiron said the recreation department remains hopeful that they will be able to facilitate youth baseball and softball leagues, as well as adult softball leagues this summer.
Community members should keep their eyes open for registration information and announcements regarding these leagues in the upcoming weeks said Jiron.