2024 U.S Basketball trip to Dallas, Texas

On Friday, July 5th, 2024, our thrilling journey to Dallas, Texas, for the Dallas Mavericks hoop camp began. The anticipation was palpable, as this was a first-time experience for most of us. The journey, while long, was smooth and comfortable, and we finally touched down at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on Sunday afternoon, greeted by the intense Texas heat. Despite the unfamiliar weather, our excitement remained undiminished. After being picked up by our hosts and checking into the hotel, the urge to explore Dallas outweighed any jet lag. We immediately set out for the shopping malls, wrapping up a successful first day in Dallas with excitement for the days ahead.

The first day of basketball camp brought a mix of nerves and excitement. However, the friendly coaches and fellow campers quickly made us feel at home. Our daily routine included warm-ups, video sessions to learn game techniques, and then back to the court for training until 4 PM. These sessions involved one-on-one coaching and small group drills, and this pattern continued throughout the week. On Friday, we participated in a tournament with the teams we had been assigned to on the first day. The camp offered plenty of learning opportunities, and our basketball skills improved significantly. Even those among us who were initially less interested in the game developed a newfound love for basketball. The Dallas experience was one everyone agreed was worth having.

As the camp concluded, the final day was marked by an awards ceremony. We were proud that BISA had two standout players: Oswadiq Kea, who was nominated as the most coachable player, and Rosalina Alcausin, who was recognised as the most improved player out of the 201 students in attendance. We also had the honor of meeting Olivier-Maxence Prosper, a professional NBA player with the Dallas Mavericks, and toured the Mavericks' official training center.

The last days of our Dallas trip were filled with fun and relaxation. We enjoyed shopping at different malls, sampling various American fast foods, and visiting attractions like the trampoline park, Hurricane Harbor water park, and Six Flags Over Texas amusement park. But like all good things, our amazing Dallas adventure had to come to an end. On July 16th, we packed our bags and headed to the airport, marking the conclusion of a successful 10-day trip. We left Dallas grateful for the skills we had learned, the friendships we had made, and the unforgettable memories we would carry with us.

Article by Dalinda Juma

Primary KS2 Teacher