Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

Former West Indies opening batsman Robert Samuels (right) showing young Shamar Beckford the correct way to hold a cricket bat during the Insport summer camp yesterday. - Kyle Macpherson/Freelance Photographer

More than 300 children are currently taking part in a two-week summer camp put on by the Institute of Sports (Insport)/Social Development Foundation.

The camp started on Monday at the National Arena in St Andrew, and has attracted children from all over the island. They are receiving coaching in a number of sporting disciplines, including basketball, football, volleyball, netball and cricket.

Delighted with venture

Ian Andrews, executive director of Insport, told The Gleaner after yesterday's official opening ceremony at the National Arena that he was delighted with the venture.

"I am overwhelmed with joy at this time, because this is what Insport has been mandated to do over the years, and it is coming to fruition in a big way now," he said. "We have been getting the support from all the relevant parties, and this summer camp is what we have been asking for, for some time now.

"There is something for everybody. The youngsters not only learn about sports but about life in general, and so I am pleased, because these children are the future of this country."

Life principles

Al Miller, chairman of Insport, urged the youngsters to make full use of the resources that were being made available to them.

"I think this is an excellent camp for the youngsters because the aim is to use the camping environment to teach these children life principles," Miller said.

National senior coach Junior Bennett, along with former West Indies opening batsman Robert Samuels, will be in charge of guiding the youngsters through a number of cricket drills.

Sylvester Campbell, one of two Jamaican umpires who officiated in the final of the World Netball Championships between hosts New Zealand and Australia, will guide the netballers, while Rupert Fearon, a former technical director of the National Volleyball Association, will oversee volleyballers.