Photos/Video: Digicel Jumpstart Clinic Launches

August 26, 2016

[Updated with video] The second annual Digicel Jumpstart clinic got underway at The Berkley Institute this morning [August 26].

The Digicel Jumpstart clinic is a youth sports initiative that takes place in select countries across the Caribbean and Bermuda, with Bermuda hosting the first one of 2016. The clinics give young basketballers, aged 14 to 16, access to elite NBA coaches in order to advance their skills.

Digicel Bermuda, for the second year running, have partnered with the Bermuda Basketball Youth Federation to ensure as many young basketballers get the opportunity to avail of NBA coaching.

This year the clinic has been opened up to girls and at the end of the three day clinic the coaches will select seven players, five boys and two girls, to represent Bermuda at the elite coaching camp in October in St Lucia.

Ahead of the launch Robin Seale, CEO of Digicel & BTC, said, “Last year’s Jumpstart was such a huge success and we’re thrilled to have it back again this year. It’s a great opportunity for young basketballers to get access to these world-class coaches and given there is real talent on the island we hope the clinic goes some way to advancing the players’ abilities.”

“Having the Premier Michael Dunkley and Sylvan Richards, Minster of Social Development and Sports, is a great honour and reflects the importance of having sporting clinics like this to grow kids love of the game and aim to keep them involved for longer.”

Minister Sylvan Richards added, “Aiding the sporting development of Bermuda’s youth is vital given the wider social and health benefits.

“I would like to thank Digicel for bringing Jumpstart back to Bermuda and I have no doubt we will see tremendous talent and focus over the coming days. Additionally I know the seven players chosen to go to the elite camp will do our country proud.”

At the end of each day a MVP will be selected based on their performance and attitude by the coaches with the chosen player receiving a new Digicel DL 1 as well as a prepaid Freedom Bundle. The organisers said they would also like to thank Barritt’s for supplying the refreshments for the players and coaches.

Update 10.56am: Photos from this morning added below: