Nassau Sunrise and Basketball Smiles collab to ignite the passion for Basketball

Nassau Sunrise and Basketball Smiles collab to ignite the passion for Basketball
Director Kendrick Dames (left) and RCNS President Doneth Cartwright (middle) presenting balls to smiling faces at the Stephen Dillet Primary School.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Some 200 campers attended this year’s Basketball Smiles camp, according to its president Sam Nichols.

“This year’s Basketball Smiles Camp was such a tremendous experience,” Nichols said.

“It was so great this year to see boys and girls laughing and playing together again after a two-year shutdown by Covid.  We had around 200 campers and our eight Texas coaches had so much fun interacting with the kids.  

Director Kendrick Dames (left) and RCNS President Doneth Cartwright (middle) presenting balls to smiling faces at the Stephen Dillet Primary School.

“We are already in the planning stages for June 2023 for our 24th Basketball Smiles Camp. 2023 will be a monumental year – the 26th child that registers will mark 12,000 children who have been served through BB Smiles since 1999! Still, no child ever pays and no child is ever turned away.”

Nichols continued: “I’m so thankful for The Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise (RCNS) – since you have partnered with us, the selfless efforts of members and your generous financial support have allowed us to grow and serve more children. Without your club’s support, we could never provide the quality camp experience these precious children deserve.

“I am asking you to consider making Basketball Smiles one of the club’s financial projects for 2023.  We love Sunrise and realize much of our success is directly attributed to the partnership with Sunrise and hope you will consider continuing to support Basketball Smiles for 2022-2023.”

He added: “Your club’s “Service above Self” attitude has allowed us to grow and serve more children each year.”

RCNS President Doneth Cartwright echoed the sentiments and reiterated that the support for BB Smiles is a significant part of the club’s legacy.

“We are investing in the future NBA Champions,” she said.

“We are investing in the next Jonquel Jones’ and Clay Thompsons. Together, we will continue to “bring a week of smiles and hope through basketball” for many years to come.