School Visits, Keynote address, and Camps: Working with 229 Students in Thunder Bay
- paigecrozon
- Oct 22, 2024
- 3 min read
A couple weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to partner with Jumpstart and bring the Half Court Hoops camps to Thunder Bay, where we visited three schools and worked with 229 students. All the schools were located in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, and the children we met were so full of energy and potential. Before each camp, I had the chance to speak with school administrators and teachers about the challenges their students face, and I was deeply moved by the stories of resilience and strength they shared. The dedication of the teachers to making a positive impact on their students’ lives was inspiring, and I couldn’t wait to get started with the kids.
The students we worked with were wonderful. They had researched our team ahead of time and even knew who Poppy was before we arrived. Their excitement, respect, and engagement made the experience truly special. As we kicked off the camps, we reminded the students that our main goal was for everyone to have fun and do their best. The energy in the gym was palpable, and it was amazing to see the kids so excited to play, try new skills, and encourage one another.
Poppy, who has grown up in gyms and traveled the world with me, was a huge hit with the kids. I wasn’t sure how she would handle three full days of activity, but she exceeded all my expectations.
Not only did she help demonstrate drills and pick up cones, but she also created a warm, safe atmosphere for the students. Whenever a child needed a break or was having a tough time, Poppy was there to offer comfort, gently encouraging them to get back in the game. She truly brought joy to the experience, and I don’t think I could imagine running a camp without her now.
At Kingsway School, we ran two camps, one with the Grade 5 class and one with the Grade 6 class. From there, we moved on to McKellar and Algonquin schools, where we continued to be amazed by the enthusiasm and positivity of the students. One moment that really stood out to me was when a young boy shared that he had recently been placed in foster care and was missing his dad. Seeing him let go of his worries and just enjoy playing basketball, even for a short time, was incredibly uplifting. It reminded me of the healing power of sports and why I do what I do. As Mike Tanton always says, “basketball is medicine,” and I truly believe that.
At Algonquin School, Poppy and I were gifted a beautiful, hand-carved traditional Ojibway lacrosse stick made by the school principal. This meaningful gesture touched my heart and reminded me of the strong connections we made with the students and staff. In another school, a group of students gave us a hand-colored feather in the colors of the medicine wheel. It said that the eagle feather symbolizes courage, strength, and hope, which was equally moving.
This entire experience in Thunder Bay has reinforced the importance of the Half Court Hoops program. This initiative brings basketball camps and workshops to schools, particularly those in Indigenous, rural, and economically disadvantaged areas. Research shows that many kids drop out of sports by adolescence, and I believe that if we can provide a positive and enjoyable sports experience early on, we can help build a lifelong love for being active. My goal is to make sure that every child, regardless of skill level, has the opportunity to enjoy sports, build confidence, and develop life skills through teamwork and play.
In addition to the Half Court Hoops camps, I had the privilege of being involved with Jumpstart’s Play to Lead summit in Thunder Bay. This incredible initiative brought together 60 young women from Thunder Bay and the surrounding reserves to participate in a week of leadership and sport. I was honored to deliver the keynote address, sharing my personal journey, the challenges I’ve faced, and my experiences at the Olympics. Poppy and I also led a basketball workshop for the girls, focusing on skill development and fostering confidence on and off the court. It was an inspiring experience, and I hope the summit helped empower these young women to become leaders in their communities.
The experience was covered by a few local news outlets, and I’m excited to share these stories with you. You can check out the coverage here:
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