By By KEVIN TRAVIS
Sports Editor
Damien Wilkins has been giving back to the community for awhile now. Even he was surprised at just how long.
When asked for his reaction about his upcoming fifth annual “Fun Day,” his reply was, “It’s the fifth already? Wow.”
The Washington native, and a five-year NBA veteran who played with the Oklahoma City Thunder last year, is hosting his fifth “Fun Day” celebration today. The event, which begins at 2 p.m. at the Beaufort County Ed Tech Center (the old John Small Elementary School), 820 N. Bridge St., gives people in the community a chance to gather, have some food and mingle with the NBA player.
“It’s the same old thing (as the previous four),” the ever-humble Wilkins said. “I’m not really sure how much I have to do with anything.
“The community makes it bigger and better. I just show up and get out there. It’s really all about the children in the community.”
As always, Wilkins is excited to return home. He will get a chance to see the many talents Washington residents possess.
The second “Show Me What You Got” competition will be held today. The entertainment should be lively. Group contestants may sing, dance or step. Performances, which have to be family-friendly, must be no longer than two minutes.
In the individual competition, contestants may sing, dance, step or recite something special. Performances must last no longer than 90 seconds, and participants need to supply their own music. Contestants must be between 10-18 to participate.
here will also be competitions for youth under 10, along with an adult competition.
The first-place winner receives $100, the second-place finisher $75 and the third-place finisher $50.
Registration forms need to be submitted at the Beaufort County Ed Tech Center registration table by 2 p.m. today.
Wilkins is excited to see the competition, visit with friends and family, and return to some of his old stomping grounds.
“It’s always good to get home, but I should get home more,” Wilkins said. “I think the people of Washington deserve that. It should be more than just seeing my face one weekend in June.”
He hopes to return home more often, and looks for the “Fun Day” to grow with each passing year.
“This always means a lot to me,” Wilkins said. “I’m from Washington, North Carolina, and I was blessed with a hard-working mentality. I go out and get what I want. I have a strong drive and determination. That’s all I am.
“The kids are the ones that make the ‘Fun Day’ happen. The community makes it happen. That’s what makes it fun.”