Devard Darling, Bahamian NFL Wide-Receiver Free Agent, will host the Devard & Devaughn Darling Football Camp (DDDFC) on Thursday, July 14, 2011.
In response to the declining economy, the As One Foundation seeks to continue the mission to help unlock and unleash the full potential of young people through athletics, education and spiritual enrichment on a scaled-back basis this year. While forced to considerably reduce the normal full camp operation down to an abbreviated version in order to achieve their mission this year.Devard Darling is dedicated and determined to fulfill the mission of the As One Foundation even with limited funding. Participants are encouraged to arrive early with a completed application with them on camp day.
The event will be held at the Freeport Rugby Club, Settlers Way, Freeport, Bahamas and is free of charge to 11-17 year old boys and girls who will also be provided breakfast snacks, lunch, beverages, camp gear, football instruction, etc.
Specifically, the plans are to conduct a one-day clinic from 8am – 1pm on Thursday, July 14, 2011 at the Freeport Rugby Club in Freeport. As with the full camp, the clinic is free of charge to 11-17 year old boys and girls who will also be provided breakfast snacks, lunch, beverages, camp gear, football instruction, etc. all free of charge.
About the As One Foundation:
The As One Foundation and the The Devard & Devaughn Darling Football Camps (DDDFC) were started by Bahamian Native and NFL Wide-Receiver, Devard Darling, in memory of his late identical-twin brother, Devaughn Darling who died during spring football practice at Florida State University in 2001.
The Darling brothers grew up loving American football and dreamed of playing collegiately and professionally. The fulfillment of their shared dream began after moving to the Houston, Texas area as 12 year-olds. They would excel academically and athletically as products of the Fort Bend Independent School District.
Devard’s determination to not allow Devaughn’s death be in vain is demonstrated through the work of As One, to expose young athletes to the American game in a safe environment, instructed by coaches and professionals – lending way to the opportunity for the young Bahamians to be considered more seriously for intercollegiate athletics scholarships and higher education.
The Devard & Devaughn Darling Football Camps are provided free to all participants. However, the operation comes at a significant cost and would not be possible were it not for the generous cash and in-kind contributions from individuals and businesses.
Previous/current sponsors include:
· Asue Draw
· Atlantis
· Arising Courier Services
· Asa. H. Prichard (Pringles, Bluebird)
· Bahamas Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture
· Bellevue Business Depot
· Dan Knowles Transportation
· Caribbean Bottling Company
· Galleria Cinemas
· Jackie’s Kitchen
· Mega Malt Snack Food
· Nesbitt Rentals
· NFL Youth Football Fund
· Pelican Bay Hotel
· Sawyer’s Fresh Market
· T2Vizcom
· Domino’s Pizza
· Wendy’s
· Thrifty Car Rental
· Sabor Restaurant
After the camp the As One Foundation will go to Nassau to conduct “Darling Family Day,” a one-day FUNdraiser with activities for the whole family including a flag-football tournament, 10am-4pm, $250 per team; a steak-out, 12noon-4pm, $10 and a party boat cruise, 9pm, $15, Potters Cay Dock in Nassau.
In addition to the camps, As One also provides scholarships high-school seniors through it’s Annual Devard & Devaughn Darling High School Senior Awards. Over $30,000 in scholarships have been awarded since As One began in 2007. Other As One activities include an annual Holiday Food Basket Give-away and the Darling Dash 5k which commemorates the life of the late Devaughn Darling.
The As One Foundation was established with a vision is to support and enhance youth development by providing youth-centered activities and opportunities to develop character, values, sportsmanship, responsibility and positive relationships through a foundation that is supported and valued both nationally and internationally.
