CALDWELL, Idaho — On a hot summer morning in the Treasure Valley, a new basketball camp at Vallivue High School is making a unique impact by focusing on both basketball fundamentals and mental health awareness.
Eliaez Baez, the camp’s founder, created the program to honor his friend Reece Hadlock. “Reece was just one-of-a-kind,” Baez said. “He had spina bifida, which is a lifelong condition. Despite undergoing more surgeries than he had toes, Reece was known for his humor, outgoing nature, and fearless attitude.”
Hadlock died by suicide in 2019, leaving behind a poignant message for Baez: “I love you, just keep doing you baby and everything will be okay. You were built for this.” This message inspired Baez to launch the “Built 4 This” camp, aiming to teach kids the importance of mental health alongside their love for sports.
“Even if we had five or 10 people, we’re grateful for everyone who came out,” Baez said. In its first event, the camp saw a significant turnout, with campers participating in basketball drills and listening to guest speakers discuss confidence, self-worth, and the importance of expressing emotions and supporting peers.
Baez received support from his teammates, including former Falcons basketball star Amoro Lado, who shared his own experiences with mental health challenges after an injury ended his Division I basketball career at the University of Hawaii. “It was very important that I was mentally strong and had the right people around me to keep me in a positive mindset,” Lado said.
Vallivue head coach Mario Betancourt praised the initiative, emphasizing that basketball, like life, is full of challenges. “You’re gonna go through these ups and downs, and how you respond and react will help you through life,” Betancourt said. He appreciated seeing his former players give back to the community and noticed a growing emphasis on mental health in sports.
To ensure the camp’s lessons extend beyond the court, Baez provided participants with booklets containing guides, resources, and mental health tips. “You never know who you could help, whether it’s a friend or family,” Baez said. “If they remember at least one thing from the pamphlet, it’s a good way to spread awareness.”
Baez plans to expand the “Built 4 This” program to include other sports like football, soccer, and volleyball, continuing his mission to change the conversation about mental health through engaging and supportive activities.
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