July 3, 2008

Valley Christian holds successful second
annual football camp

Valley Christian Schools held its second annual Football Camp for men aged 18 to 25 with Down syndrome this year and it was a total success.

With 30 campers, it had twice the students it had last year and, while many came from the South Bay, others came from all over California including Fresno and Los Angeles.

Valley Christian Chancellor Claude Fletcher noted that he loved to watch the faces of the campers. “They were treated like pros and they just loved it. There were cheerleaders cheering for them and they got to run through the tunnel like pro football players. They were fearless and they were really good ball players,” Fletcher said.

Among the pros teaching were former 49er coach Steve Mariauchi and former 49er Dana Stubblefield. Another former 49er Ronnie Lott attended a dinner with the campers at Hayes Mansion and talked with each of them.

The campers are fed and housed by the school and treated to lots of water during practice.

Dana Stubblefield, Ronnie Lott and Valley Christian Chancellor Claude Fletcher. Photos courtesy of Claude Fletcher

Each camper has a buddy on the field, a current or former Valley Christian football player. Each also receives a T-shirt and plaque as well two pictures, one with his buddy and one of the entire group.

Fletcher said this year there was a nominal fee for each camper to hold a place, but the school—through fundraising—pays the remainder. It runs about $15,000, he added. Next year, he hopes the school can pay for everything. If anyone is interested in helping, please contact Fletcher at (408) 513-2500.

—By Carol Rosen