The fourth annual Camp Shriver, providing sports and other team-building opportunities for kids with intellectual disabilities, will close out its 2010 summer season next week at Antilles High School.
First lady Cecile de Jongh on Friday commended student volunteers, staff, and participants on another successful camp, according to a Government House statement. The three-week event is run by Jackie Nelthropp, director, and Therese Hodge, sports coordinator.
“Camp Shriver evokes the spirit of the Special Olympics and its founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a long-time disabilities advocate whose incredible vision of inclusiveness for people with intellectual disabilities will always be remembered,” de Jongh said in a statement. “The camp brings Virgin Islands youth together in a learning, positive environment that develops camaraderie, teamwork, and sportsmanship. I am pleased at the continued interest in and success of the camp in both districts,”
In 2007, de Jongh met with National Camp Shriver creator and founder of the Special Olympics, the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver, to initiate bringing the camp to the Virgin Islands. The sports camp program continues to provide recreational opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Campers enjoy sports coaching in basketball, kickball, softball, soccer, swimming, and volleyball and participate in arts and crafts and cooking classes. The camp also organizes a weekly field trip.
De Jongh said she shares Shriver’s vision of creating opportunities for youth that challenge them to reach their highest physical limits; develop physical fitness; and experience the joys and friendship that come from attending a summer camp.
Camp Shriver focuses on developing long-lasting, positive relationships by creating an atmosphere of understanding, learning, and sharing. Campers are partnered with a student volunteer and new friendships are developed and cultivated.
Camp Shriver is funded by Catholic Charities, which received funding through the generous donations of private entities, including: Cruzan Viril, Ltd.; Golden Eagle Financial, LLLP; Hovensa LLC; Financial Trust Company, Inc.; AH Riise; Active Concepts, Inc.; The West Indian Company, Ltd.; Scotiabank; International Capital & Management Company; Rix Ski’s; and Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands.
The camp began on July 6, runs through July 23, 2010 and is free.
