Fitness Unlimited’s latest basketball camp for youth in need kicked off with an appearance on Monday by one of the sport’s most talented players — Phil Ford.

Participants at the camp were selected from the Boys and Girls Club of Beaufort County and range in age from 7 to 15. While at the camp, the kids will participate in skills training, conditioning and scrimmages led by coach John Lampkins, said Fitness Unlimited owner Austin Thomas in an earlier interview.

The camp garnered attention from the community after a Facebook message announcing the event led to 31 children being sponsored within just a few days at $150 per child.

Thomas said he decided to invite Ford to speak to the kids because he thinks it’s good for them to see a real-life example of what hard work and determination can do.

“I really do enjoy talking to kids your age,” Ford said to the campers.

Ford discussed his experiences playing basketball — a passion for which he’s had since he was a young child — and spoke about the importance of staying on the right path.

“I don’t have all the answers,” he said.

Ford said he thinks it’s good for students to dream big, but it’s also important for them to have a plan B with a solid education.

“It’s very important for you to start being a good student as early as you can,” he said. “Teachers want to help you.”

Ford was a well-known point guard at the University of North Carolina in the 1970s and played in the NBA for the Kansas City Kings, New Jersey Nets, Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rockets after being the second overall pick in the draft. The Rocky Mount native was an ACC Player of the Year in 1978 and an NBA Rookie of the Year in 1979.

He said he made some mistakes in his life with alcohol, but his faith in God drove him back to the right path, and he doesn’t regret any of it. He also stressed the importance of having an older mentor who can offer guidance.

“The choices I made in the ‘80s affect what happens to me in 2015,” Ford said. “I try to live my life not looking back on ‘what-ifs.’”

The basketball camp will run through Friday, Aug. 15 and will also have an appearance from Phil Spence, star basketball player on North Carolina State University’s 1974 national championship team, to finish out the week.