Basketball Camp 66; former NBA star plays host to MacDill youths

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Robert Maki
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MacDill AFB, Fla. --  Team MacDill's children beat the summer heat and got the opportunity to learn from former NBA Indiana Pacer and current NBA referee, Haywoode Workman, who hosted the Basketball Camp 66. 

In cooperation with the Suffolk Construction Company and MacDill's Youth Center more than 60 youth between the ages of 8-15 turned out for the free four-day camp this past week. The camp featured special guest speakers, taught the fundamentals of basketball and provided free lunch for the youth. 

"Children got the opportunity of working with someone of Haywoode's stature and level of experience," said Pete Schmidt, MacDill Youth Sports fitness director. "Denise Young brought the idea to us and we jumped at the chance and pushed it right up the chain." 

Denise Young, Suffolk Director of Business Development in the Southeast Region, has worked with Haywoode in the past when he was with the Indiana Pacers and brought the idea of the basketball camp to her company, which funded the event. 

"Haywoode and I have been friends for years," said Young. "Through that friendship and working for Suffolk, which looks for projects and different organizations where they can
team up and give back to the community, it was a perfect opportunity to make a difference." 

Former NBA point guard, Haywoode Workman played in eight NBA seasons before retiring. Currently, he is an NBA referee. When he is not working as a ref, he hosts basketball camps and runs the Bay ProAm City League Association,(www.bayproamfla.com), in Tampa for older children. 

"I get pleasure out of just teaching the children," said Workman. "I do it, cause I love it. I
love the sport of basketball" 

Workman explained that when children are provided with quality information they
are better equipped and armed for the future, whether it is in basketball or in life. 

Throughout the camp, the youth heard from guest speakers on different topics and met diverse individuals allowing them to learn about more than just basketball. 

"Classroom time with Haywoode is unbelievable," said Young. "The way he keeps their
attention and focus is amazing. They might not have absorbed everything today but in the future, when they go to make a pass or a shot, they can reflect back and realize they did pick up something. Like,...oh yeah, I remember that..." 

"I just hope one child learns something," said Workman. "I love basketball and having a camp where I can teach kids couldn't be better."

Pete Schmidt said that out of 60 children who came to the camp, 30 to 40 percent were not regular members of the Youth Center. They are always trying to draw more children into the programs at the Youth Center. Many of the programs provided by the
Youth Center are free and through the National Youth Sports Coaches Association, Active Duty members, spouses and family members can get certified to be coaches for the intramural programs. 

For more information on all the programs at the MacDill Youth Center, (813) 828-7957.