Special Olympics basketball camp names title sponsor
Action from last year’s final of the Cayman Classic Basketball Tournament
(CNS Local Life): A basketball camp for Special Olympics athletes has been rebranded with the title sponsorship of Cayman National Bank. At the inaugural Cayman National Bank Special Olympics Basketball Camp, set for 7 November, 35 athletes are expected to participate. Special Olympics Cayman Islands is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, while Special Olympics International, established in 1968, celebrates 50 years.
“Apart from the obvious positive physical effects of sport to our athletes, these camps also help with increasing their social interactions and the public’s awareness of Special Olympics’ contributions,” said Fareed Hosein, head basketball coach for Special Olympics Cayman Islands, in a press release.
“We are thrilled that Cayman National Bank has chosen the title sponsorship of our inaugural Special Olympics basketball camp,” said Jill Turk, chief strategy officer for the Cayman Islands Classic tournament, which follows the camp. “They supported our tournament last year and to have them return as the title sponsor to support the Special Olympic athletes is such an honour.”
CNB executive assistant and assistant marketing manager Christy Whittaker said of the Cayman Islands Classic, “We celebrate with the organizers on last year’s tournament success. Not only did it make a huge economic impact on our islands but it also helped stimulate and further develop sports tourism in Cayman. We are once again happy to be a part of such success and are confident this year’s event will have an even bigger impact.”
She added, “Equally, we are proud to be the sponsor of the inaugural Cayman Islands Classic Special Olympics Basketball Camp and we commend the organizers for inviting the Special Olympics Cayman Islands athletes to participate in the tournament activities. We believe this camp will provide the athletes with exciting opportunities for physical fitness and enhancement of their skills as they work alongside skilled and experienced coaches.”
The Special Olympics basketball camp will be led by Caymax Sports Ltd, and Cayman Islands Classic founders, CEO Joe Wright and President Victor O’Garro, who have dedicated their lives to coaching basketball and teaching the youth, stated the press release.
O’Garro thanked CNB for sponsoring “such an historic event”, calling the bank a “leader in the Cayman Islands business community when it comes to supporting sports on the island”.
He added, “I am truly excited to reconnect with my Special Olympic athletes on a different platform. I’ve had the privilege of volunteering with Special Olympics Cayman Islands and I’ve had the opportunity to work with Special Olympics founder, the late Mrs. Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
“Supporting the Special Olympics is a very rewarding experience. The athletes are a very special group of determined individuals that are empowered by their accomplishments and continue to inspire each other and those that work with them.”
He explained that the inaugural camp will be fun with an emphasis on learning. “We will work with the athletes on refining basketball skills, such as shooting, offensive moves, defence, rebounding, and team play. Additionally, the camp will provide a focus on skill development, fostering teamwork and sportsmanship.”
Following the camp, which will take place at the ARC in Camana Bay from 1pm-3pm, the Cayman Islands Classic tournament will start Monday, 19 November at the John Gray High School gymnasium, featuring teams from Creighton, Clemson, University of Georgia, St Bonaventure, Georgia State, Akron University, Illinois State and Boise State.
Category: Basketball, Sports
