By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Damien Wilkins will be returning to Washington this summer, and he’ll have ESPN following him every step of the way.
Wilkins, a star with the Seattle SuperSonics and a native of Washington, will return this summer to hold his fourth annual “Fun Day” event. The community get-together will be held Saturday, June 21, from 2 to 6 p.m. in the field across from the Boys &Girls Club.
The forward-guard, who put up career-high numbers with 9.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 0.3 blocks per game last season, will hold a one-day basketball camp on Friday, June 20.
Wilkins, who recently completed his third season in the NBA, is excited about holding the “Fun Day” and camp again this year. He had considered not holding them because of a lack of support from area businesses, but Wilkins said he “followed my heart.”
The camp, which will likely be held at Washington High School or the Boys &Girls Club, will be held for kids in the sixth through 12th grades.
Campers in grades six through eight will meet from 9 a.m. until noon, while those in the ninth through 12th grades will meet from 3 to 6 p.m.
Wilkins will present awards and talk with the campers at approximately 7 p.m.
ESPN will be following Wilkins during the two-day events and will do a story on the Seattle basketball player in the near future.
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.”
Wilkins is anxious to return to his hometown.