By Joanna Chadwick

Wichita Padres’ coaches Tyler Keim and Bryan Chadwick will be hosting a free Unified Basketball Camp from 10-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12 at Wichita Hoops along with other area coaches.

Keim, the Independent boys coach, and Chadwick, the Derby girls coach, are excited about this inclusive opportunity to coach athletes of all abilities and ages who have limited opportunities in a camp setting.

“I’m excited to host this camp and give back to the community,” said Keim, who created the Padres in 2014. “The Wichita Padres Organization is all about family and inclusion. It’s not all about winning and losing. It’s about teaching the game I love and hopefully leaving an imprint on a kid’s life.”

Chadwick, who has been a special education teacher in Wichita and Derby, is especially eager.

“As a coach, I want to make sure that I have the opportunity to share my passion for the game with my players,” he said. “This camp is a chance for me to do this on a larger scale.

“I have never had the chance to work with athletes with special needs, so this will be my chance to share my passion with them.”

For Beth Hollenbeck, this is the kind of opportunity that she has wanted to see for kids like her oldest, Blake.

Her younger two children have both played basketball for Chadwick.

“I am thrilled for this opportunity for my son, Blake,” Hollenbeck said. “His brother and sister have gained so much from these coaches and the Padres organization, both on and off the court.

“Blake plays for his Special Olympics team, Butler Blazers, but has never had a chance to attend a camp outside of the season. Our family is always seeking these opportunities for Blake, so this is exciting. He will be counting down the days.”

Other local high school and Padres coaches participating will be Ashton Petrisor (Derby), Chuck Gunter (Wichita South), Joe Jackson (Maize South), Matt Lawson (Douglass) and Josh Osborn (Derby North).

To register, go to wichitapadres.com.