By Kevin Shannahan

Over 100 young people from throughout the parish participated in the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans Junior Training Camp held on the NSU campus this Saturday, June 24. The teams’ representatives were assisted by Northwestern State University athletes. This is the sixth year the training camp has been held in Natchitoches, and the second year the Pelicans have participated. The Youth Community Affairs Divisions of both teams stressed safety, nutrition and academics as they put the young people through a series of drills in football and basketball skills.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Department has been an instrumental sponsor of the camps since the first camp 6 years ago and had the Natchitoches SWAT team there with their equipment and armored vehicle. The children had opportunities to win prizes by knowing sports trivia about the New Orleans teams. Each participant left with a t-shirt and sports cards. The children had a fun day of physical activity and education at no cost as both teams donated their time and expertise.