VCYBA 2009

Vince Carter offers two basketball academies each summer – one in Orlando, FL and the other in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The basketball academies offer an education station with fun-filled activities focusing on mathematics, language arts, and thinking skills are played. The Vince Carter Youth Basketball Academies is open to girls and boys, ages 7 to 17.

“The 4th annual VCYBA ended on a positive note. Not only were we successful in teaching basketball fundamentals but we made great progress with creating lasting life skills. Our goal is to make sure each participant leaves a more confident and well-rounded individual that is equipped to face life’s challenges both on and off the basketball court.” –Jeff Scott Director, VCYBA

This year Athletes for Charity teamed up with the Nets to host 30 youth from Brooklyn, NY, Harlem, NY and throughout New Jersey to participate in the Academy held in New Jersey from July 27 - 31, 2009. Each day the youth were immersed into learning basketball skills, teamwork, life skills, all while having a lot of fun. Vince Carter was in attendance and participated on a daily basis, campers received a team picture with Vince and one autographed item of their choice, along with various giveaways and recognitions throughout the camp. There were two age specific sessions: 8:00 a.m. to noon for ages 7 – 12 and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for ages 12-17.

“It was a pleasure and memorable experience working with Athletes for Charity and the 30 intelligent and hardworking youth during the week of the Vince Carter Youth Basketball Academy. On behalf of the VCYBA we wish you all much success and look forward to the great things the future holds.” –Jeff Scott Director, VCYBA

Through a generous grant provided by the Barclays / Nets Community Alliance, Athletes for Charity was able to cover the registration costs for each of the participating youth as well as cover the cost of meals and transportation for the youth from Brooklyn to and from the Nets Training Facility in East Rutherford, NJ. “This unique opportunity would not have been possible but for the support of the Barclays/Nets Community Alliance,” said Cathleen Laporte, founder and president of Athletes for Charity. “The grant enabled us to provide a once in a lifetime experience for so many of our youth and they will speak of opportunity for years to come.”

For more information about the Vince Carter Youth Basketball Academies please visit www.vincecarter15.com and http://www.vincecarter15.com/Vcyba.aspx.