An upcoming youth basketball camp in Orillia promises to be “inclusive and fun” as it prepares for the March break. The Orillia March Break Basketball Camp, which will take place from March 11 to 15 at Orillia Christian School, is open to children aged seven to 13 of all genders.
Vito DiMartino, the 67-year-old founder of the camp, has been organizing youth basketball camps since 1998. What initially began as a fundraiser for a basketball cultural exchange to Japan has evolved into an annual event, now taking place in Orillia. After moving from the Niagara Falls area four years ago, DiMartino was inspired to extend the success of his basketball camp to the Orillia community, especially for the benefit of his grandchildren who reside in the area.
The week-long camp will feature separate sessions for different age groups, with younger participants aged seven to nine attending from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and older participants aged ten to 13 following from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Participants will engage in various basketball skills and training, such as ball handling, dribbling, shooting form, pivoting, defensive concepts, and rebounding. Additionally, attendees can look forward to shooting games and awards for their participation. Each daily session will culminate in an exhibition game, coached and officiated by volunteer high school students.
While the primary focus is on the youth campers, the program also provides an opportunity for high school students to earn up to 35 community service hours through volunteering. DiMartino encourages interested students to reach out for more information and highlights the potential for gaining valuable experience and a reference letter for future scholarship or job applications.
A former physical education teacher with over three decades of experience, DiMartino is passionate about promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. He aims to combat the global epidemic of type two diabetes through physical activity, emphasizing the preventive benefits of being physically active, particularly through engagement in sports like basketball. Moreover, he hopes that the camp will encourage participants to join the Orillia Youth Basketball Club and continue their involvement in the sport.
At the heart of the camp’s mission is the instillation of strong values and sportsmanship in the youth, exemplified by the recognition of these attributes through an award given at the end of the week. DiMartino underscores the commitment to providing a quality program for the youth in the community, ensuring that parents receive value for their investment in their children’s participation in the camp.
The registration fee for the camp is £120 per child, with discounts available for multiple family members. Interested participants can register by visiting the official website.
The upcoming Orillia March Break Basketball Camp is set to provide an exciting and beneficial experience for the youth, as they engage in a week of fun, inclusive, and skill-building activities, all while being guided by a team of dedicated organizers and volunteers.