Fifteen local youth basketball players traveled to Denver for a coed skills clinic hosted by the Denver Nuggets Academy at the Ball Arena March 20.
The youth, ranging in ages from 6 to 14, learned about the unique opportunity while participating in the City of Salida youth basketball camp in the fall.
Paula Ortiz, one of the camp coaches, learned of the clinic and told the parents about the clinic, happening during Spring Break.
Ortiz said having 15 kids show up was a huge turn out. The parents were responsible for getting the kids there, and paying the $150 fee.
During the session, the athletes worked on fundamental drills and got plenty of time to shoot baskets right where the professionals play, Ortiz explained.
While the most noteworthy part was playing on the Nuggets home hardwood, the youth also got to bring home an official Nuggets jersey and basketball.
All the campers also got to stay to watch the Nuggets take on the Toronto Raptors.
Ortiz said not only were the tickets included in the day fee, but the students got to enter the arena ahead of everyone else, to sit courtside and watch the teams warm up.
“It was definitely worth it. How many times do you see your kid on the Nugget court or shooting a basketball on their court? That experience alone was worth it.”
She said she is hoping the Denver Nuggets Academy might bring some coaches down to Chaffee County for a camp, as there is a lot of interest in basketball here.
She said the camp she helped facilitate with the city in October had 72 kids.
“We have a lot of kids in this mountain town who love basketball,” Ortiz added. “Basketball is big. We want to make it big – especially with the girls winning 3A.”
The Nuggets Academy offers other similar camps and clinics throughout the summer. To learn more visit Nuggetsacademy.com/camps-clinics.