VAIL RUMLEY | DAILY NEWS

By DAVID CUCCHIARA

Washington Daily News

Washington native, ECU alumnus and retired NFL wide receiver Terrance Copper will be hosting his fourth consecutive Pro’s Weekend Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21.

The two-day event will feature a collection of 13 retired and active NFL players, including ECU alumni Vonta Leach, David Garrard and Dwayne Harris. Pro-basketball players Cor-J Cox and Ralph Biggs will also be in attendance.

The two-day showcase begins on Friday at 4 p.m. with a cookout on the waterfront in downtown Washington and a live performance from the David Dixon Band. Zumba by Destini and the Boys & Girls Club Step Team will also be performing, followed by an autograph session from the players.

“It feels good to give back,” Copper said. “You want to give back to the kids. I didn’t have this when I was growing up. I’m from Washington, born and raised in Washington and have lived here all my life. We didn’t have football camps and I never got a chance to see NFL players or pro basketball players. So, I felt like this is something good to motivate the town and the surrounding area.”

On Saturday, players will take to the field at Washington High School for the annual football camp, kicking off at 8 a.m. Kids will have the opportunity to play alongside professional athletes and learn from the best. After the camp, Zaxby’s will provide kids with lunch before heading over to the gym for a basketball camp from 2 to 5 p.m. Kids will take to the court with players from the ECU women’s basketball team and local basketball icons like Cox, Biggs and John Lampkins. This is the first year Copper has incorporated basketball into Pro’s Weekend.

“We want to show people that they can live their dreams,” Copper said. “You don’t necessarily have to be a football player or a basketball player. The odds of becoming a professional player are very slim, but if we can do it and fulfill our dream, you can too.”

The entire weekend is completely free of charge. You can pick-up an application and waiver form for the camps at the Washington Police Department. The deadline for both forms is June 20. For additional information, contact Kimberly Grimes at 252-943-1715.

The event is sponsored by the Washington Police and Fire Department.