Monday, January 11 – The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports (DYAS) recently hosted three separate girls’ softball camps with head coach of the Tar Heels softball team of North Carolina University, Ms. Donna Papa, on both Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
Sports Officer with the DYAS, Mr. Terrence Chinnery organised the three-day softball event last week. Activities were held at the Old Recreation Grounds on Tortola, on both January 4 and 5; and then on January 6, the camp was held on Virgin Gorda.
In an interview with the Department of Information and Public Relations, Mr. Chinnery said, “These softball camps are a great opportunity for girls who may want to attend colleges in the United States of America.”
Mr. Chinnery said that he saw the need for the softball camps after attending a softball tournament last year. He observed that there were 212 high school girls, and over 500 coaches looking for players for college teams. This, he said, let him know that “there is a high demand” for girls softball. At the same tournament, Mr. Chinnery got re-acquainted with Ms. Papa, who has been head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels since 1986.
Mr. Chinnery explained that Ms. Papa’s main role in the camps was that of trainer, to teach the girls the fundamentals of the sport, as well as to observe the team for potential college players.
Ms. Papa invited her colleagues pitching instructor, Ms. Beverly Smith and infield instructor, Ms. Janelle Breneman, all of whom were interviewed by the Department of Information and Public Relations.
“The girls were fantastic. They worked hard and they came there to learn,” said Ms. Papa regarding the first session on Monday. Ms. Papa also said that the participants “hustled” and gave their full attention. Regarding the talent she looks for in potential players, Ms. Papa said that players must have a passion for the sport.
“It takes a lot of practise. It takes thousands of repetition to get better.” She continued, “It also comes from within. It has to be something they really want to do.” She further explained that athletic ability, attitude, and academics are attributes that she looks for in potential players.
The DYAS has plans to continue both girls and boys softball camps and clinics. Interested persons can contact Mr. Terrence Chinnery at the department at telephone 468-3701 extension 5111 or 2.
The softball camp programme supports the mission of the DYAS, to coordinate a holistic Virgin Islands sports and recreation development programme through policy formation, programme development and community partnership.
The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports is responsible for executing Government’s agenda as it relates to the development of youth and sports in the Territory, on local, regional and international levels.
British Virgin Islands News