Ellington

Mentoring through play and sharing a message of hope are the main goals of the coed basketball clinic put on by Rock Pointe Church.

Entering its ninth year, the program will take place at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25.

“It’s an opportunity for kids ages 5-14 to come and learn how to pass, dribble, shoot, rebound and hear a positive message,” said program coordinator Rod Turner.

College players and coaches from UTC and Covenant and local high schools will be on-site to run seven different stations where kids will learn basketball skills and exercises. Kids will travel from station to station with their age group and remain at each one for 20 minutes.

“After the first hour, we'll take a break and we'll have a college player or coach share their testimony,” Turner said. “We’ll continue that way the rest of the day. This is a faith-based initiative.”

Closing the four-hour clinic with a Christian magic show will be nationally known illusionist Terry Hedges.

“He’s performed locally here at schools, and he’s been at the White House twice and Saddleback Church,” Turner added.

The cost of the clinic is $10 which will allow each child to receive a T-shirt, bookmark and a certificate signed by one of the attending coaches or players.

“The main thing is that kids learn the fundamentals of a fun sport from the best that we have to offer around here plus they’ll get the message of hard work, dedication and forgiveness and everything that goes into the Christian faith,” Turner said.

IF YOU GO

The Rock Pointe Church 9th annual coed basketball clinic will take place Saturday, Sept. 25 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Scholarships are available for children that might not be able to cover the cost. Registration can be done online here or by calling Rod Turner at (706) 866-8819 or (423) 322-4450.