Fourteen young Bahamian athletes aspire to make their mark in America by participating in the Las Vegas, Nevada Big Foot Hoops basketball tournament this month.

Member of Parliament for Fox Hill Fred Mitchell stopped by the Denykco Bowles Elite Skills basketball camp this weekend to show support for the young men who will be travelling to Las Vegas. Many of them are students at Doris Johnson High School, hence they live in MP Mitchell's constituency. Boys and girls from throughout New Providence are participating in the basketball summer programme, which is being held at Bahamas Academy gymnasium, Wulff Road.

The 14 young men, all under age 17, will have a chance to compete with the best in class from around the world, as aspiring professional basketball stars from high schools in and outside of America will participate. The Las Vegas Big Foot Hoops Classic is one of the most revered events for high school basketball, and many scouts will be there seeking high schoolers and college hopefuls to grant them scholarships and help make their dreams a reality.

Coach Bowles is the head of the International Basketball Academy bahamas, and is spearheading the trip. The students held a cook-out this Saturday to help raise the funds they need. But they are asking for all the public and private sector assistance they can get, with just days left before the big competition. No doubt, these boys are hopeful for a great performance at the tournament, and hopes are high as we all watched Bahamian Buddy (Chavano) Heild get drafted to the NBA.

To donate to the group's trip, check out International Basketball Academy or Denykco Bowles on Facebook, or pass by the BA gymnasium this week before the camp comes to an end.

You may view the video on the Facebook page.

By Felicity Ingraham