Athletes in Action has officially opened registration for their summer sports camps in Steinbach, and new programs are being offered this year.
Steve Klassen, Regional Director for Manitoba, says Athletes in Action is a sports ministry that operates programs across the country.
“We operate under the umbrella of Power to Change Ministries if you're more familiar with that.".
He says his personal journey with sports is what led him to get involved with the organization.
“It saved me in a lot of ways and God just moved mountains to change things in my world. And quite honestly, just dropped me into this chair. The guy that did it before me did it for 25 years. So, where I always wondered what I was supposed to do when I grew up, well, that chair wasn't open yet, and so I had some growing to do and when the time was right, then that chair was available for me.”
A highlight for Klassen last year was launching a volleyball camp in Steinbach.
“It was awesome. We had so much fun. We had incredible athletes come out. That talent level was really high, and so the training was a lot of fun. We also ran a soccer camp, so we're going to do both of those things again this year.”
This summer, they’re expanding the program by adding a junior volleyball camp for younger participants.
“We have found that volleyball is somewhat inaccessible for a younger age category. And so we are providing that opportunity for kids ages 8 through 11, this year as well here in Steinbach.”
The junior volleyball and soccer camps will run from August 5 to 8, while the senior volleyball camp, for ages 12 to 16, is scheduled for August 11 to 15. All camps will take place at Clearspring Middle School in Steinbach.
Klassen encourages all kids to join, regardless of skill level.
“I think one of the joys of our program is that we recognize that while competitiveness is an important part of sport, it becomes an overbearing aspect. And you know, I think that what we hope to do, because we do have incredible coaches, they're largely university athletes, and so they're able to train at all levels, but one of the things about it is that we want kids to understand that their value is God-given. Their value is not based on their ability to play.”
He adds that the coaching team is equipped to work with players of all experience levels.
“We've had many people come out who have never played volleyball and have found their passion. So I would encourage everyone to come out. It's a wonderful opportunity. And our curriculum focuses, of course, on training, but highly on personal development. There's a lot of character building blocks that come from sport that really overlap personal lives.”
This year’s theme will focus on the idea of being a great teammate, both on and off the court.
“What does it look like to be a good teammate? What does it look like to have a good teammate? If you could build the perfect teammate, what characteristics would that person bring and what historical people can we reflect on who have exemplified that well?”
To register, visit www.athletesinaction.ca or contact Steve Klassen directly at 204-474-1718.
With files from Corny Rempel