Middle school age kids enjoy the 4th Annual Steve Smith Football Camp sponsored by WJZY/WMYT in June. |
On June 16 & 17, 2011, over 250 kids got the chance to play football alongside Steve Smith during the 4th Annual Steve Smith Football Camp at Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte.
During the two day event campers ages 7-14 both boys and girls learned football fundamentals from area high school coaches as well as the one and only Carolina Panthers Wide Receiver Steve Smith who ran up and down the field with every camper signing each of their camp shirts along the way.
“I love getting out here with these kids…they truly give me more than I give them,” said Smith.
Carolina Panthers Wide Receiver Steve Smith encourages the campers to stay in school & work towards their goals. |
The Panthers new Quarterback Cam Newton stops by to talk to the kids. |
Joining Smith on the field were a few other celebs including New York Giants Wide Receiver and former UNC-Chapel Hill alum Hakeem Nicks who was born in Charlotte and played at Independence High School as well as Carolina Panther Charly Martin.
Another exciting moment for the campers was being some of the first in Charlotte to meet the newest Panther, Quarterback Cam Newton. Smith invited Newton to spend the day with him and the kids on Friday and Newton even played quarterback in some of the organized games and drills.
“Smith is unbelievably generous at his camps,” said Camp Director Danielle Parks. “We do these camps all over the country with all kinds of athletes and Smith is the only one who brings gifts and giveaways from his own personal collection to give away each day to campers…it’s truly amazing and many of these kids are just in awe. Not many kids can say they got a pair of Steve Smith cleats or an autographed item from the Pro Bowl from Steve Smith,” said Parks.
At the end of each day campers gathered for some inspirational words from Smith and the other players about life, football, getting a good education and working hard to accomplish your goals.
Thanks to WJZY/WMYT’s Angela Golden for this capcom story & these capcom photos.
