News & Stories
Camden Health and Athletic Association to Host Basketball Fest, Provide Free Athletic Physicals for Camden Children
Winter Basketball Registration, Skills and Drills Sessions to be Held Dec. 10
December 2, 2016
CAMDEN, N.J. – The Camden Health and Athletic Association (CHAA) will host its first “Basketball Fest” on Saturday, Dec. 10, offering a skills and drills clinic, open play and onsite basketball registration for Camden children.
In addition, Cooper University Health Care will provide free youth athletic physicals on Saturday, Dec. 3.
“Cooper is committed to providing Camden children with the resources and opportunities they deserve so they can enjoy active and happy childhoods and grow to have healthy futures,” said George E. Norcross III, Chairman of Cooper University Health Care. “Through the Camden Health and Athletic Association, we are ensuring that any child who wants to join a team and play a sport has that chance.”
The Camden Health and Athletic Association, is a nonprofit organization aimed at expanding Camden’s youth sports programs. The Association is partnering with several youth basketball organizations to provide children an opportunity to play basketball this winter.
“Basketball Fest is a celebration of our basketball program,” said Assemblyman and former Camden High School basketball star Arthur Barclay (D-5), who volunteers with CHAA. “Kids and their parents will have the opportunity to learn about our program, its goals and the skills kids can expect to pick up.”
The Camden Health and Athletic Association was launched in June with a $1 million initial investment by the Cooper Foundation of Cooper University Health Care, the Norcross Foundation and AmeriHealth New Jersey.
“Youth sports bring communities together and teach children valuable lessons about teamwork, friendship, and positive self-esteem,” said Susan Bass Levin, President and CEO of The Cooper Foundation. “Basketball Fest is a great way to kick-off the basketball season and promote healthy activities for children and families.”
Michael Goodman, MD, Chairman and Chief of the Department of Pediatrics at Cooper University Health Care said: “As a pediatrician, I am always stressing the importance of exercise for healthy growth and development in children. This program is a good opportunity for children in our community to get more exercise in a safe and structured environment.”
Registration for the winter basketball season is now open. Children may register at Basketball Fest, which will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon at H.B. Wilson Elementary School, 2250 S 8th St. Camden, N.J. 08104
Families unable to attend Basketball Fest and interested in registering their child for Camden youth basketball may contact any of the following programs:
- Below the Rim offers programs for boys and girls, ages 4-15 at Bonsall Elementary School located at 1575 Mt. Ephraim Avenue. For more information or to register, contact Don Polk at 609.332.6801.
- North Camden Basketball Association offers programs for boys and girls, ages 9-15 at Pyne Poynt Mastery School located at 800 Erie Street. For more information or to register, contact northcamdenlittleleague@hotmail.com.
NEW PROGRAMS:
- Camden Raiders will offer programs for boys and girls, ages 5-16 at Yorkship Elementary School located at 1251 Collings Road. For more information or to register, contact camdenraiders16@gmail.com.
- Centerville Simbas/Below the Rim Basketball League offers programs for boys and girls, ages 7-15 at H.B. Wilson Elementary School located at 2250 S. 8th For more information or to register, contact Rashaan Hornsby at 856.246.9700, or via email at visionaryent.bh@gmail.com.
Free athletic physicals will be provided by Cooper University Health Care on Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 3 Cooper Plaza. Registration is required. No walk-ins will be accepted. Any parent of a child playing a winter sport may make an appointment for their child by contacting contact Amber Oakley at 856.968.7436 or Oakley-amber@cooperhleath.edu.