Date: April 2007, 11-4, date TBD

Location: Bryant University, Smithfield, RI at the Chace Wellness and Athletic Center

Description of the Event: Thirty boys and girls, ages 10-12, can participate in this exciting event. They will learn about Capeverdean culture, play basketball, and be entertained by Tupper the Bulldog, the Bryant University Official Mascot, and the Bryant University Cheerleaders.

Reminder to Parents: The camp will start at 11:00 A.M. and finish at 4 P.M. Please arrive no later than 10:45 A.M. Lunch will be provided for the kids. Parents are most welcome to watch the camp and cheer on the children, but that is not required. Parents may watch all or part of the day, whatever is most convenient for them. Remember also to bring school supplies, such as notebooks, pens, and pencils, and/or small toys, for our collection to be sent to the island of Sao Nicolau, Cape Verde.

There are some other very famous players who are from Cape Verde: Dana Barros (NBA, retired, former NBA All-Star) and Ryan Gomes (Boston Celtics,Providence College All-American) For a small island nation, that's a lot of famous players! Dana Barros played for the Celtics. Gomes was a PC All-American, Celtics All-Rookie, as is now a 2nd year starter.

Mario Correia was the top scorer for the Cape Verde National Team, leading the squad to a Bronze medal in the first ever Lusophone games in Macau, China, October 2006. The Lusophone games were an international competition between countries who speak Portuguese, including Brazil, Portugal, Angola, East Timor, and others. Coverage of the games, by Dan Klotz, is availabe at: www.CaboVerdeOnline.com. The official games website is: www.macau2006.org.

Pawtucket native, and former St. Raphael's star and multiple All-state selection and state champion, Jeff Xavier, has continued his career at the highest level of college basketball. After a star stint at Manhattan college, including an upset win over Maryland in the post season NIT play, Jeff transferred to powerhouse Providence College. Ineligible to play until the 2006 - 2007 season, when Jeff suits up for the Friars and hits the court, he is likely to quickly become a Big East star. For more on Jeff, including career stats and a bio, go to the PC website at: www.providence.edu. To ead an article on Jeff, click here.

Ryan Gomes, the Providence College All-American and all-time leading scorer, has become an established NBA star, as he was named to the All-Rookie team after 2004 - 2005 season, earning a starting spot with the legendary Boston Celtics. The Cape-Verdean American, a Connecticut native, may well be on his way to NBA superstardom.

Shannon Perry, shown here with Dan Klotz during the 2006 SuperMarioCamp, a star basketball player for Bryant University during the 2004-2005 season, is now playing professional basketball in Switzerland! A multi-year star at national DI powerhouse Syracuse University, Shannon transferred to DII Bryant to play a final year of eligibility while working toward an MBA. Shannon's pro team is in the highest among several of the professional leagues in Switzerland, and she currently leads her team in scoring with 20 ppg., and her LEAGUE in rebounds at over 12 per game..

After a sensational freshman season at Kansas State, power forward Michael Beasley was drafted, #2 overall, by the Miami Heat of the NBA

Thanks to CACD for donating a CACD tote bag, ceramic mug, and CACD pen for each SuperMario participant during the first SuperMarioCamp in 2005!

Thanks to David Lynch and Bryant University Dining Services for providing boxed lunches for SuperMario participants and volunteers each year!