The Paul Stephens NIVA Summer Basketball Camp returns for 6th year

And if you can believe it, the physical education teacher, basketball coach, instructor, and camp director readily admits he actually loved practicing as much as he enjoyed competing and hanging out with teammates. "We had so much in common and my closest friends to this day are former teammates of mine," he proudly reveals.

Stephens, who has been a major force in basketball in and around Laval for a long time despite his still relatively young age, is presently making final preparations for the sixth edition of an extraordinary summer basketball camp that draws the participation of many dozens of young people and the involvement of an impressive group of professional athletes and instructors.

"Every summer, I try my best to get as many of the professional athletes I know to come to the NIVA Basketball Camp and spend quality time with some aspiring young basketball players," Stephens explains, noting that the likes of Samuel Dalembert (NBA Player, Philadelphia 76ers) Domenica Marcario (pro player in Italy) Prosper Karangwa (pro player France) Mohammed Hachad (pro player Switzerland), Kizzy Lopez (pro player Norway) and Wayne Clark (Harlem Globetrotters) have reunited with him to offer one of the best instructional camps in the country.

At the five-day camp the emphasis is on the fundamentals of basketball (shooting, passing, dribbling) which brings out the best in youngsters new to the game as well in as others who have been playing for a few years. "Having the kids compete and learn, while having the chance to spend time with athletes who know what it takes to get to the next level is a very valuable experience," Stephens points out.

Having these successful athletes and extraordinary people at the camp is very special to the kids and extremely rewarding for him, says the founder and director of this multi-dimensional project. He describes these guest instructors and motivators as "guys and girls I grew up with who have been fortunate enough to earn their living playing the game they love and are not shy about giving back to the community by teaching others, especially youngsters."

Stephens also easily concedes the athletes are doing him a big favour by bringing talent and leadership to the camp. "I'm always so grateful for their contribution, but on the other hand I know I would do the same for them. That's how far our friendship goes. And that's why the young people at the camp can depend on them to help make these five days not only an experience of a lifetime but also a springboard to a better future," the coach concludes.