Good WILL on the Kestrels' Kourt
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Two days of a basketball clinic featuring Coach Will Love of the USA came to an end yesterday in beautiful Kenmare, Ireland.
And, yes, there was goodWILL on a number of levels.
It was fun for participants and especially fun for spectators who were mesmerized by the enthusiasm, competitiveness, respect and willingness to learn.
Those participating (more than 80) came ready to learn some basketball basics from an American high school coach.
I may be the coach's mom, but I think they got their money's worth along with a lot of new skills to hone.
Bill and I spent most of the day at the gym, getting to know coaches and players and other parents.
We both agree that we're very proud of both Willie and Debbie Love who kept the groups busy for several hours each.
We also enjoyed meeting the Kenmare coaches and volunteers who organized and facilitated the clinic.
Good things are definitely happening with Kenmare basketball.
And, there was definitely a healthy dose of goodWILL in that gym.
Bonner County Food Bank director and our beloved daughter-in-law Debbie Love turned into Coach Love No. 2 by helping out with the clinic.
Debbie's experience of working many years for the Boise City Recreation Dept. made her a natural helper.
The participant list for the clinic included the Kenmare Kestrels plus one.
Sem Bons Hall lives in Sweden.
The family had heard about the clinic while in Dublin, so they came over to where Sem's mom Evelyn grew up. She's Dutch but moved to Kenmare when she was 9.
It was like a homecoming for Evelyn because she knew at least one clinic coach and recognized players of her own Kenmare classmates.
Sem did well enough in the clinic to earn a Sandpoint Bulldogs t-shirt to take back to Sweden.
This man is amazing.
He's the reason the town of Kenmare has a growing interest in the sport of basketball. He's been working with the teams known as the Kenmare Kestrels for about 20 years.
The program has known success and continues to grow each year.
John Adams is originally from Maine in the United States. His wife is from Kenmare so he is firmly planted and highly respected in the community.
He also is a good sport, dressing up like a bee for one of drills at the clinic.
Kenmare is fortunate to have his talents and enthusiasm.
After two full days of clinic, he organized a basketball scrimmage last night at 9 p.m. for the old guys. Willie is becoming one of those.
Wonder what that says about Ma and Pa Love!
BTW: I had the opportunity to play a little roundball yesterday when little Jack, who's 6, told me he didn't have a partner.
"Do you want me to be your partner?" I asked.
He nodded.
So, I played defense against Jack in the midst of a bunch of eager kids competing one on one. We all bounced off from each other almost as often as the balls, but I survived.
It was a good time for an ol' gal who's always loved the sport of basketball.
Debbie and Willie personally purchased more than a dozen Sandpoint Bulldog t-shirts and some Bulldog hats to give away as prizes for some competitive events involved in the clinic.
At the end of each of the two daily sessions, he told the Kenmare players to thank their parents and the coaches and to go home and Google "Sandpoint, Idaho" to learn about the beautiful community where he coaches.
Til next time.
Fists up in unison and with pride in the group, a proper ending to any basketball gathering.
Today Willie and Debbie head on their way toward Belfast where they'll be taking the Black Cab tour tomorrow.
Bill and I will probably head out on an adventure after they leave and enjoy the rest of our time here before we meet them again in Dublin.
It's been a great Family Love experience, though we miss our Annie.
Kenmare is ready for Halloween with decorations and spooky images virtually everywhere around town.
Last night while dining at the Kenmare Brew House we met these two ladies.
Janet Graham, on the right, is a well-known artist from up north whose current work deals with the historical plight of Irish women.
Learn more about her by clicking the link below.
It's a rainy morning in Kenmare today, but in Ireland, we've learned time after time that the sun is always waiting in the wings to show off the landscape after a thorough washing.
Maybe we'll see some sun today. If not, it's still pretty and magical here.
Happy Thursday.
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