Written by: Kuya Glenn Costales, President
With the school season about to kick off, 25 fit and ready kids from Little Lights Ministry were treated to an intense basketball workshop courtesy of Daddy Nick and Mommy Aimee. They put this event together to celebrate the 1st birthday of their own little baller, Baby Sancho.
Together with their friends, our spirited family was welcomed by the kids who arrived geared up for tip off so-to-speak. Before going through the day’s exercises though, we made sure the kuyas, ates and kids were acquainted and prepared to play as 1 team. We had a total of four (4) teams to which the volunteers were distributed. In the spirit of basketball, the teams were aptly named Golden State, Cavs, Boston and Chicago (the kids named their groups). The volunteers got to know the kids first when they shared their names, who their favorite basketball player was and what they wanted to be when they grew up.
With the introductions out of the way and to really get everyone into the team spirit, we played the Hula Hoop Challenge. While lined up with their hands held together, the teams raced to pass a hula hoop over and around their bodies. This was the perfect way to get everyone stretched out – literally. After a few rounds, Team Boston emerged as the winner with the kids receiving prizes.
It was game on for our basketball workshop with Coach Dennis taking front and center. This featured a number of basketball basics which was a welcome learning to our young athletes. The kuyas and ates weren’t about to miss out as well as they joined in on the workshop proper.
The highly active workshop featured drills on passing, dribbling and shooting. It also highlighted the correct triple threat and defensive stance. The kids were really focused and engaged so we rewarded them with a couple of 5-on-5 pick up games with Boston and Chicago coming away as winners in their respective matches. It was great to see the kids’ energies channeled within the discipline of the sport we all play and love.
A much deserved meal awaited our exhausted kids and volunteers. As parting gifts, the kids got baon packs prepared by Daddy Nick, Mommy Aimee and Baby Sancho.
The buzzer may have sounded on our Saturday event but we hope to cross paths again with the fun and sincere enthusiasm from our volunteers. Happy birthday again to our little MVP Baby Sancho!
