Bahamas native Devard Darling fulfills his and late identical twin brother, Devaughn’s, dream to bring American football to the Bahamas, through the 8th Annual Devard and Devaughn Darling Football Camp, presented by his non-profit organization the As One Foundation for boys & girls age 11-17, from 9am -1pm, Friday & Saturday, July 12-13, 2013 at D.W. Davis Junior High School on Wilton Street in Nassau, N. P., Bahamas.
“This camp is my and my twin brother’s dream,” said Darling, “I could not be more proud to come back home to give back to my people. This effort is for Bahamians by a Bahamian.”
In addition to the financial support provided by the NFL Youth Football Fund, the camp has partnered with the Bahamas Flag Football League for a second year to help conduct the camp and assist young athletes with skill development, technique, and the fundamentals of American Football.
The purpose of the camp is to encourage young Bahamian athletes to pursue their education and dreams of playing American Football. Over the years campers have had the opportunity to interact with prominent sports figures, who served as coaches, leaders and mentors throughout the duration of the camps. NFL Players schedule to attend this year include, Indy colts wide-receiver, Darrius Heyward-Bey; Tennessee Titans Safety, Bernard Pollard; Super Bowl Winner Green Bay Packer Defensive back, Derrick Martin; Houston Texans Wide Receiver, Lestar Jean and 2013 first-round draft pick, Atlanta Falcon Cornerback, Desmond Trufant.
While gaining invaluable skills and training in the game of American Football, 200 camp attendees will also receive free t-shirts, meals & beverages and a chance to earn the title of Camp Most Valuable Player (MVP.)
The As One Foundation was established in 2007 by Devard Darling, in loving memory of his identical brother Devaughn Darling who died of exhaustion & dehydration complicated by Sickle Cell Trait in 2001 during spring training at Florida State University. Recently adopting a new mission to educate and increase awareness of sickle cell trait while encouraging youth to achieve their dreams in the face of life’s challenges, The As One Foundation will unveil it’s new initiative – Operation Hydration – to the campers.
Operation Hydration is a Sickle Cell Trait education and awareness presentation about the importance of hydration as prevention of athletic or fitness related death.
By: Tomia Austin
As One Foundation
