Plouffe Hoops Camp a great experience for everyone

It was another great experience for aspiring basketball players from around Edmonton, as local Olympians Katherine and Michelle Plouffe hosted their annual Plouffe Hoops camp at Harry Ainlay High School, their alma mater, August 17 - 19.

Two groups of campers, high school and youth, had the opportunity to learn from two of the best basketball players in Canada. The young players additionally worked with Thomas Houghton and Ainlay senior girls coach Darren Labretnz, and the high school group received instruction from record-setting three-point shooter Steve Sir of the Canadian national 3x3 team.

A new aspect of this year’s camp saw the last 30 minutes of each session dedicated to off-court discussions and teaching, with topics including mental health and leadership.

Many of this year’s campers had also attended last year’s camp, and Katherine and Michelle were thrilled to see so many familiar faces.

“It was one of our favourite camps because of the amount of time and feedback we were able to give each athlete,” they said. “They were just two great groups to be around.”

Katherine and Michelle grew up in Edmonton, and played for Team Alberta. They have since gone on to terrific pro careers, while with Team Canada they have participated in the Summer Olympic and World Championships, as well as won gold at both the Pan-Am Games and FIBA Americas Championship.

This September they will be representing their country at the 2018 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Spain, before playing the 2018-19 season professionally in Europe. They are already looking forward to the 2019 edition of Plouffe Hoops next summer. Information will be available at www.plouffehoops.com.

A portion of proceeds from the 2018 Plouffe Hoops camp is being donated to Foundation Youth Centre. Located in Millbourne, in southeast Edmonton, Foundation invests in the lives of every young person in the community by providing holistic care, mentoring relationships, a safe community to belong to, and opportunities to explore their potential and discover hope. For more information visit  www.edmontonyouthunlimited.com/foundation.