By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — They left expecting to learn about basketball, and came back having learned about a whole lot more.

Seven players from Davidson’s senior boys basketball team spent their February break in Cuba, attending a week-long cultural exchange, training and competition camp at the country’s national sports training centre in Havana.

Back at school last week, they reported that the camp had been helpful in building up their skills, as they trained with and competed against Cuban players, going through drills and developing new offensive strategies.

“They were a lot bigger than us,” reported Huck Rettger, adding that the Cubans put up a tough challenge, but were also friendly hosts.

Along the way, the boys had the opportunity to learn about Cuban life and culture. Activities included salsa dancing lessons, a historical trip through Old Havana, and a visit to an inner city youth centre.

The Davidson players said they also came away with a greater appreciation of their own lives back home, particularly the material wealth they often take for granted.

“It was eye-opening how privileged we are here,” said Andrew Read, noting for example that the gym the boys trained in had toilets without proper seats.

Players taking part in the camp included Nick Chomyshen, Gabe Ebenal, James Morrison, Ben Nykiforuk, Andrew Read, and Huck and Mark Rettger.

The group, which also included 12 parents, flew out from Regina on Feb. 13 and returned eight days later.

The trip was organized through Canada-Cuba Sports and Cultural Festivals, and included airfare, accommodations, meals, transportation and most anticipated expenses.

Coach Kim Rettger, who had first proposed the trip to a young group of basketball players nearly a decade ago, was overwhelmingly positive about the program upon their return.

“This was the greatest experience I’ve ever had with a group of kids,” he said, adding that the trip combined sports, culture and humanitarian work, and calling it rewarding for both the players and himself.

DAVIDSON — They left expecting to learn about basketball, and came back having learned about a whole lot more.

Seven players from Davidson’s senior boys basketball team spent their February break in Cuba, attending a week-long cultural exchange, training and competition camp at the country’s national sports training centre in Havana.

Back at school last week, they reported that the camp had been helpful in building up their skills, as they trained with and competed against Cuban players, going through drills and developing new offensive strategies.

“They were a lot bigger than us,” reported Huck Rettger, adding that the Cubans put up a tough challenge, but were also friendly hosts.

Along the way, the boys had the opportunity to learn about Cuban life and culture. Activities included salsa dancing lessons, a historical trip through Old Havana, and a visit to an inner city youth centre.

The Davidson players said they also came away with a greater appreciation of their own lives back home, particularly the material wealth they often take for granted.

“It was eye-opening how privileged we are here,” said Andrew Read, noting for example that the gym the boys trained in had toilets without proper seats.

Players taking part in the camp included Nick Chomyshen, Gabe Ebenal, James Morrison, Ben Nykiforuk, Andrew Read, and Huck and Mark Rettger.

The group, which also included 12 parents, flew out from Regina on Feb. 13 and returned eight days later.

The trip was organized through Canada-Cuba Sports and Cultural Festivals, and included airfare, accommodations, meals, transportation and most anticipated expenses.

Coach Kim Rettger, who had first proposed the trip to a young group of basketball players nearly a decade ago, was overwhelmingly positive about the program upon their return.

“This was the greatest experience I’ve ever had with a group of kids,” he said, adding that the trip combined sports, culture and humanitarian work, and calling it rewarding for both the players and himself.

For the full story, please see the Feb. 29 edition of The Davidson Leader.