Port Arthur camp makes good basketball players and good citizens

Published 6:37 pm Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Frontliners Youth Empowerment & Athletic Training Camp is a basketball camp and then some.

Organizer Colby Hamilton said it’s basketball training, but it offers something much more for kids.

“It gives them the self-empowerment tools and community development tools they need. It’s all aspects,” Hamilton said. “I love the game and I’ve learned a lot from it. Through sports kids learn confidence and competiveness and the tools they’ll need after they’re done with sports. It gives them something to fall back on in life.”

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The camp is from Monday through Wednesday at the Port Arthur Recreational Center. In addition to sports, there will be presentations on music and science, technology, engineering and math.

Frontliners’ mission statement declares the organization is a Port Arthur based nonprofit organization that has been providing basketball athletic training, academic tutoring and mentoring since 2013.

Some of the courses offered are financial literacy, life choices and entrepreneurship. Professional trainers Donald Cole, Dave Mercer and Jonathan Brown are on hand so the kids can reach the highest levels in basketball if they want.

Cole will also give a lecture on physical training and nutrition.

“These guys play ball overseas and it’s good they take time out to train the kids,” Hamilton said. “When you reach that level (the pros), it’s good to be well-rounded because it’s a business then.”

For instance, the youngest participant is in the fourth-grade. Hamilton said he has “a lot of fire” and he’s keeping up with the eighth-graders and ninth-graders.

“He said he was a little nervous,” he said. “I told him, just prove yourself because there are things you didn’t know you had in you.”

He added that Port Arthur has a rich tradition in basketball. For instance, when he was playing in Michigan, someone knew about the former Lincoln High School basketball program’s achievements.

“We need to keep our basketball coaching right,” Hamilton said. “We need to go back to winning state championships.

“I love the game and I want kids to love it too.”

A school drive is also conducted where supplies and clothing for school were given.

Other speakers are Josh G. (Guidry) who is an entertainer and producer with Hustle King Records and Tony Thomas, entrepreneur and former NFL player.

Tiffany Hamilton, former city councilwoman, will give a presentation on financial literacy.

There will also be a skit by Hamilton Heroes and entertainment by Diamond Mine Productions.

Hamilton said they also encourage the youth to support local businesses such as Alabaster Supplies that is a nutrition and home products line.

Ultimately, Hamilton and the staff want to create and empower a positive attitude in the students.

“This is all about the community. We want to put a positive vibe back in Port Arthur and keep it going,” he said.