Good times for a sports fan

Good times for a sports fan
Commentary by KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
The last couple of weeks have been hectic, but it’s been well worth it.
For anybody who is a sports fan, this month has been a dream.
Terrance Copper, a former Washington Pam Pack and East Carolina great, held his first football camp June 14. The New Orleans Saints star was joined by teammates David Patten, Devery Henderson, Lance Moore, Robert Meacham and Houston Texans fullback Vonta Leach.
One week later, Damien Wilkins returned home to host his Fourth Annual “Fun Day” event, which was preceded by a basketball camp. The Seattle SuperSonics star is already looking for bigger and better things next year.
This weekend, a pair of former Miami Dolphins greats will be in Plymouth at a football camp. Former Plymouth Vikings and Duke Blue Devils star Charles Bowser returned home for the Second Charles Bowser NFL Youth Football Camp. Bowser, a linebacker and member of the vaunted “Killer Bs” defense in the 1980s, will be joined by former Dolphins teammate Mark “Super” Duper.
Copper said he was pleased with his first football, and was appreciative of the help from all the volunteers.
“Sometimes it’s more than just giving money back,” Copper said. “Sometimes it’s about coming here and donating your time. That’s something I, and my fellow teammates and coaches, believe in. It’s not just me giving back; it’s everybody giving back.”
For Wilkins, he’s happy to see his annual basketball camp and “Fun Day” grow each year.
“It seems to get more and more special,” Wilkins said. “More and more people come out, we get more and more support from the community and it starts to mean a lot more to me with every one of them.”
Wilkins and Shena Locke, co-founder of Wilkins’ Dyna2mic Foundation, wanted to thank all the sponsors and contributors at this year’s event, including Action Rental, Andy’s Cheesesteaks & Burgers, the Beaufort County Boys & Girls Club, the Beaufort County school district, Dominoes, Golden Corral, King Chicken, Piggly Wiggly, Pizza Hut, St. Claire Trucking, Wal-Mart, Wilson Cleaning Mobile Service and all the volunteers.
Wilkins is thankful for the generosity.
“That’s very special,” Wilkins said. “It means a lot. They’re just showing their support, showing their interest and they’re showing that they care about these kids just as much as I do.”
Each of the professional athletes enjoys returning home, giving back to the community and putting smiles on the kids faces.
And that puts a smile on my face.
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Kevin Travis is the sports editor of the Washington Daily News. You may reach him at 940-4217, or by e-mail at Kevin@wdnweb.com.