Kelly Olynyk signs autographs for some young fans during Shootin' Hoops in the Loops. (Photo Credit: KamloopsBCNow.com)
Riverside Park was partially transformed into a basketball court on Friday as Boston Celtics player Kelly Olynyk hosted Shootin’ Hoops in the Loops.
Olynyk, who is from Kamloops, was signing autographs, posing for pictures, and playing basketball with people of all ages at a temporary basketball court set up in the northwest corner of the park.
“Anytime you have the power to make a kid’s day or put a smile on a kid’s face, that’s pretty special and that’s something you can’t take for granted,” Olynyk said. “It’s always special to come back to where you’re from. This community gave me everything growing up, so it’s nice to give back and spend a little time with the people in this community.”
A fan sports a Kelly Olynyk jersey during Shootin' Hoops in the Loops. (Photo Credit: KamloopsBCNow.com)
Olynyk is in Kamloops for the annual Olynyk Klynyk, which along with his father Ken and local coaches Del Komarniski and Corey Yamaoka offers a chance for local youth to train and learn from high level basketball players.
“Growing up (in Kamloops) you have so many opportunities to play and I just wanted to give the kids in this community a great opportunity to work on their game, to better their game, and to instill a love and passion for the game of basketball,” Olynyk said.
The camp is sold out and will run from July 27th to 30th at the Tournament Capital Centre.
For more information, visit the Olynyk Klynyk website.
Kelly Olynyk signing autographs for a hometown fan. (Photo Credit: KamloopsBCNow.com)
