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AHBF Summer Camp commences despite lack of corporate support
Abdullah Hamid
By Edison Jefford
The twentieth instalment of the Abdullah Hamid Basketball Foundation (AHBF) Summer Camp commenced yesterday at the Mackenzie Sport Club court despite lack of corporate and Government funding during its existence.
Kaieteur Sport caught up with Hamid in Linden yesterday and he indicated that love and dedication were the main ingredients that sustained the annual event. He said those were his major sources of valour and encouragement.
“It is a self-sustaining programme. I wanted to see the children succeed. It’s just the love got me pushing. Just being part of this project means something for me and I am pretty much happy with this achievement,” he said.
The Linden Amateur Basketball Association President related that he is weary of seeking sponsorship and being disappointed. He believes that the corporate community should be more benevolent with community programmes.
“I am tired of seeking sponsorship because when you contact them and they tell you that they don’t have money but yet you see them sponsoring parties and frolics, you have to question their priorities,” Hamid believes.
“I hope someday that someone would look and see what we have here and come on board but I am not going out there. The programme is here and open to whomever wants to play a part in its success,” the LABA head continued.
The programme has produced many national basketball players including Nkossi Gurrick and Steve Neil Jr., who usually conducts one of the clinics on guard skills. Young players between ages seven and 17 are expected this year.
Additionally, Hamid indicated that a basketball game will be held on the final day of the event, which runs until August 23 to commemorate the 20-year anniversary. He said their will also be prizes for outstanding participants.
“I am looking at reaching 25 years where I will have something real special. I am grateful for the support I have gotten despite lack of Government and corporate support. I am very enthusiastic about these young people,” he said.
Hamid’s thinking is that he should not have to beg for money to run a programme that an entire community benefits from. The Summer Camp also has social workshops on crime prevention and handling peer pressure etcetera.
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