Alberni Wrestling never does anything half way and their 2013 Summer Wrestling Camps are another example. The local powerhouse program hosts their annual Kids Camp July 2-4 and their Elite Camp July 4-7. Both camps appear to offer fantastic opportunities for their participants.
The Alberni Kids Camp has been in existence for over 25 years and is free to boys and girls ages 6 to 12 who want to try out the sport. Letters have been left at every local elementary school the past two weeks when Alberni wrestlers have visited the schools to conduct introductory sessions. Information and forms can also be found on the club’s website at www.alberniwrestling.ca.
The Kids camp sessions run 10 am to noon each day in the main ADSS gym. Participants do not need to register in advance nor do they have to commit to attend all three days. Just show up with gym strip and clean runners and registration forms will be available for parents to fill out on the spot. Younger children must have parents stay in case they can’t handle the activities.
“Our Kids Camp is a gift from us for children who want to try wrestling in a fun and safe environment,” said club Director Tom McEvay, “many of the coaches are our current high school and middle school wrestlers as well as a few alumni. Experienced adult coaches will also be on hand to make sure everything runs smoothly. Kids Camp is where most of our wrestlers got their start including Olympian Travis Cross.”
This year the transition to the Alberni Elite Camp will happen on the final day of Kids Camp on July 4th. The youngsters will wrap up at 12 noon that Thursday at the same time the experienced wrestlers arrive for registration and check in. Mat sessions for the Elite Camp get underway on July 4thfrom 1-4 pm.
The Alberni Elite Camp has added several new features this year, the most notable being a full dormitory and meals option for out of town participants at the new ADSS. “We decided that with the incredible facilities the new school offers that it was time to make the camp a full meal deal,” added McEvay, “we have always had billeting for out of towners but the dorm option really adds another dimension. The wrestlers will eat well with Dave’s Catering providing the food.”
Another added attraction this year will be the presence of an all-star team of wrestlers from the eastern US. The team will comprise young wrestlers ages 12-16 from primarily the state of Ohio and a few neighbouring states. These will be tough training partners for camp participants as many are state medalists in their age groups. Local spectators can come out and watch a competition between the Americans and other camp wrestlers on Saturday July 6that 7:30 pm.
