By Staff
By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Kids were running around with smiles plastered on their faces whether they were playing musical chairs or racing down a giant inflatable slide.
All those smiles at Saturday’s Fourth Annual “Fun Day” event, held in the field across from the Boys &Girls Club, put a big smile on the face of Damien Wilkins.
The Washington native, and star with the Seattle SuperSonics, was thrilled with the turnout.
Kids and adults were able to eat and partake in a raffle, while Wilkins later signed autographs for his fans.
Wilkins feels blessed that he’s in the position to give back to his community.
Wilkins said it feels good that he doesn’t have to put on a show when he’s home.
While Wilkins has returned home each of the last four years to give back to Washington, there’s much more giving that he does. It’s all part of his 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.”
Wilkins has also helped youth in Seattle and Atlanta.
In Atlanta, Wilkins teams up with Ludicrous on Labor Day weekend for special events. Wilkins has also held an Adidas Christmas shopping spree in Seattle, paid for Beaufort County Boys &Girls Club members to attend the Sonics’ game in Charlotte last season and talked with kids in Atlanta who were struggling in school with the hopes of helping to turn their lives around.
Through all the giving that he does, it’s obvious that his “Fun Day” event is special to his heart. And it’s becoming more and more popular in Washington as the turnout grows each year.
Wilkins is already looking forward to next year’s fifth “Fun Day” and third basketball camp.