Hundreds of kids have a ball at Raptors’ Superfan camp in Mississauga

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Greater than 400 kids bought the star therapy at a basketball camp organized by Raptors’ Superfan Nav Bhatia in Malton over the lengthy weekend.

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It was a challenge Bhatia labored on for years.

“That is essential for me,” he stated as he watched youngsters dribble and run drills on 4 courts he refurbished in Paul Coffey Park in Mississauga.

The Superfan Nav Bhatia Basis held its first Fantasy Basketball Camp from July 29 to Aug. 1.

It rolled out the crimson carpet for 416 youngsters aged 8 to 14 to sharpen their basketball abilities, construct teamwork, and group.

The brand new courts and the expertise had been a slam dunk with the kids, who additionally acquired a customized jersey and locker, a basketball, hours of classes, and new friendships.

“It’s only a nice alternative to be right here and I’m actually grateful that I bought the prospect,” stated Ayla Chang. “Personalised jerseys along with your workforce and it’s only a actually particular expertise.”

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The camp additionally included an all-star introduction for every participant, and a mock information convention.

“I’ve been to a number of camps all through the years, and this is likely one of the finest we’ve been to,” stated Lloyd Wyse, whose daughter, Amor, attended. “We, as dad and mom, like to see our youngsters have enjoyable, be taught new abilities, and develop friendships.”

In February 2020, Bhatia approached town in regards to the well-worn courts within the park.

“I got here right here 4 years in the past and all these courts had been destroyed, unsafe,” he stated.

So he donated $150,000 for a renovation.

“He’s so beneficiant and open and such an exquisite particular person. It’s such an awesome alternative,” stated Andrea DaSilva, whose daughter, Angelica, was thrilled in regards to the drills.

After months of building, the courts launched in September 2021.

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Bhatia spoke about a technique he is aware of the group funding is nicely price it: the tears shed by some dad and mom this weekend.

“They drove all the best way from Trenton. They stated ‘you made us really feel like household’. After they left yesterday, they had been crying,” he stated. “One other mum or dad cried once they noticed the locker rooms. Once I noticed that, it gave me goose bumps.”

Tessa Newell stated the weekend is one thing her kids won’t neglect.

“Malton is a small group. So to see one thing like this occur, it actually means so much,” she stated. “There’s not a variety of issues for the youngsters to get pleasure from. For Superfan to be doing this, it’s nice.”

Bhatia’s basis is aiming to make this an annual occasion, and in addition unfold it throughout the nation.

“I’ve had youngsters come and inform me they don’t wish to take their jersey off,” stated Rinku Ghei, who collaborates with the muse’s efforts.

“On the finish of the day, they’re not going to neglect this.”

slaurie@postmedia.com
Twitter: @_ScottLaurie