Camp is Bailey's means of giving something back BY SAM DAVIS THE CHRONICI .E __ Basketball was the vehi ; cle that Aaron Bailey used to help him attain many of his goals. Bailey, who cur rently works for the city of Winston-Salem's Recre ation Department, used the sport to his advantage. After completing his high school career at Mount Tabor, Bailey earned a scholarship to St. Paul's College. And when he graduated in 2001, he decided to come back home to Winston-Salem and share what he's learned with others. This summer Bailey is taking that one step further. He and the staff at the Carl H" Russell Recreation Cen ter are facilitating a basket ball camp this week. The gym at the center has been chock-fflll of campers aged 8-!l 5 as some 80 partici pants turned out for it. ? In terms of numbers. Bailey said the camp has been a success. The campers have learned a lot about the game of basket ball. and coaches and coun selors have made an effort tcr offer more. "Growing up. I attended a lot of basketball camps," Bailey said. "What I've tried to do is combine everything I learned and was exposed to at basket ball camps and present it to this group." Although the space isn't ideal. Bailey said he has worked with center super visor Ronnie Beverly to give the kids a strong dose of fundamentals. But they have also looked beyond the athletic sphere. "We're hoping to change lives and attitudes through this camp." he said. "We want to let the kids know that they can achieve goals in life and also take advantage of the gifts that God has blessed them with. It doesn't matter what neighborhood or com munity they come from. Their desire and drive to. achieve is really what's going to carry them." Bailey brought in a speaker each day to talk with the campers. The speakers included Kedrick Lowery. youth pastor of Greater Cleveland Avenue Christian Church; Andy Muse, head basketball coach at Mount Tabor High School; Phillip Stilt, head basketball coach at Win ston-Salem State; and Jim Caldwell, former head football coach at Wake For est. The idea for the camp came as a result of Bailey's contact with parents during the Jr. Hornets Basketball Program at the center. "I received a lot of input from parents and most of them said they wanted to see a structured basketball camp that would help the kids and teach them funda mentals," he said. "They also wanted something affordable for kids in this community." The cost of the camp is $25, including lunch, a T shirt and a trophy. Bailey handled most of the logis tics of putting the pieces together. He said he received a lot of help and support from his mother, Felecia Bailey. Beverly has also been a staunch, sup porter. "Ronnie has supported the whole idea from start to finish," Bailey said. "He's been behind this all the way and helped anywhere I've needed help." Twin City Little League \ in need of a change To the Sports Editor This is in response to the comments made about the con dition of the Twin City Little League. I have been working with this league for the past five years and some of what you said is true. The main reason for most of the downfall of this league is the fact that instead of people stepping up to the plate to assist in whatever way they can, all they do is com plain. This goes for parents, coaches and league administra tors. Then those that are trying to make a difference gel over looked as if they are doing nothing. I think it is time for anyone that wants something done in this situation to step up and put your money where your mouth is. Twin City Little League has been used as a baby-sitting service and also as a welfare agency. Parents are hot sup porting their kids, which leads to the league not being us strong as it could be. Then there is the issue of monetary funds. Twin City Little League is the cheapest organization in town when it conies to regis tration fees. There have been times when some kids didn't pay registration fees and were allowed? rsm| i iJMTfff m ?,2 ? ? Get A $40.00 Factory Rebate When You Buy A Affinity LH30 With UN FT Tires % - *r1 j| ' ' ' 7 i ^ sijj I