Former University of Minnesota men’s basketball standout Clyde Turner recently had his annual basketball camp for youngsters ages 9-16 at the newly constructed Arlington Hills Recreation Center on St.
Photo by Mitchell Palmer McDonald
Paul’s East Side.
The camp, held from June 23-27, enabled participants to learn the principles of teamwork, discipline, dedication and sportsmanship. Guest speakers were bought in each day to provide participants with life lessons that go beyond basketball.
The camp culminated with a well-attended awards ceremony on the final day in which each participant received a medal, others were singled out for individual accomplishments, and camp counselors talked about their experiences and what it means to give back to youth.
An All Star game between the participants and camp counselors preceded the awards ceremony as parents proudly looked on.
Turner played for the Gophers from 1971-73 after an outstanding junior college career in which he earned All-American honors. The Champaign, Illinois native went on to average 18 points and six rebounds per game. He led the Gophers to the Big Ten Title in 1972.
After the awards ceremony, Turner gathered participants in a huddle. Before breaking they chanted the camp’s motto: “Play hard, work hard, study hard, excel in life, beat the odds.”
Over 10,000 boys and girls have participated in Turner’s camps during the past.
Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mmcdonald@spokesman-recorder.com.
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