By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Like one of his high-flying dunks, Damien Wilkins is hoping his fourth annual “Fun Day” and his basketball camp will be highlight reel-worthy.
ESPN will be with Wilkins every step of the way to document the two-day extravaganza.
Wilkins, who put up career-high numbers with 9.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 0.3 blocks per game last season in his third year with the Seattle SuperSonics, is excited about returning to Washington.
The basketball camp will be held Friday, June 20, at the new P.S. Jones Middle School.
The first session for those in grades six through eight will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Campers are asked to report to the gym by 9:30 a.m.
The camp’s second session, for those in grades nine through 12, will run from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Campers are expected to report by 2 p.m.
Wilkins will talk with all campers following the sessions, and will likely present awards to the top campers.
Space is limited and registration is only facilitated through P.S. Jones Middle School, Washington High School or the Beaufort County Boys &Girls Club.
Registration forms must be returned to the middle school, high school or Boys &Girls Club, along with an optional T-shirt donation of $5.
Check or money orders should be made out to the Dyna2mic Foundation Inc.
This year’s “Fun Day” event, which will be held in the field across from the Boys &Girls Club from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, will have a new twist this year.
Think of “American Idol,” “So You Think You Can Dance” and “America’s Got Talent” all rolled into one.
Wilkins will run a “Show Me What You Got” talent competition during the day for those ages 12-18.
There will be group and individual competitions featuring singing, dancing and stepping. Group acts must be no longer than two minutes, while individual acts must not exceed 90 seconds. All acts must be family friendly.
Participants must bring their own music.
There will also be competitions for youth under 12, as well as for adults.
Registration forms must be submitted by 2 p.m. on June 21 at the “Fun Day” registration table on site.
First-place prizes will be awarded in several categories.
Wilkins and organizers are looking for gift card donations, bicycles, toys, sports equipment and more to be used as prizes.
Businesses and organizations may help out in a variety of ways, including giving a charitable donation, making out gift certificates to the Damien Wilkins 2008 Fun Day, providing gift prizes and making tax-deductible donations made payable to Dyna2mic Foundation, Inc.
Organizations can learn more about how to be a sponsor or make a contribution by visiting www.dynamicfoundationinc.com, or by sending an e-mail to Info@dynamicfoundationinc.com.
Returning to Washington and giving back to the community is just part of Wilkins’ DYNAMIC Foundation, which stands for Developing Youth Needs Athletically Artistically &Mentally Increasing Confidence
The foundation’s mission statement is “to make a difference in the lives of youth utilizing the fundamentals of athletics, the arts, and community leadership to increase confidence on and off the playing field. We will coach individuals in these fundamental skills to help enhance their social, mental, and academic capabilities. Ultimately, our goal is to create a dynamic environment for youth that will help them take charge of their dreams.”