Breds Treasure Beach Foundation Chairman Jason Henzell says the just-concluded ninth annual Youth Basketball Camp was a huge success, since their mission is to continue to use sport for social change.

The camp, organised by friends of the Philadelphia Men’s Basketball League (PMBL), Jakes Hotel, and Breds Treasure Beach, took place from August 14 to 18 at Treasure Beach Sports Park in south St Elizabeth.

Henzell stated that this year’s five-day basketball camp featured 65 abroad coaches, 1,300 children, and around 30 volunteers, and that their aim was exceeded.

“We put on the basketball camp to remain consistent with our mandate of creating a model for low-density community development and community tourism in Treasure Beach,” Henzell told the Jamaica Observer.

“This camp is also an example of sports tourism as it [the Youth Basketball camp] sees coaches renting rooms, supporting local restaurants and going on excursions,” the chairman further said.

With the funds raised, Henzell said that 1,400 pairs of new shoes, along with shirts, shorts, and socks were distributed at the camp this year which tremendously benefitted participants.

“Our children get an opportunity to interact with extremely talented and thoughtful coaches over a period of five days. The camp provides three meals per day and transportation to the urban area of our parish including Black River, Santa Cruz, Southfield, and greater Treasure Beach area,” Henzell stated.

Apart from local children, Henzell said that the Manning’s Boys Home and the Tranquility Bay Police Academy also benefited from the Youth Basketball Camp.

“This camp proves how important it is for a community to have a registered and active non-profit organisation,” he said.