David Bass, displayed his philanthropic work recently at a pro-football summer camp in Chicago. The NFL player took the initiative to train and mentor several inner-city kids ages 7 to 15, to teach them about the extensive training professional players have to undergo. Many hovered around Bass in admiration as he connected with the kids. He talked to rolling out about how important a summer camp like this is to Chicago children.
With a summer camp like this what do you think it means to inner-city youth?
I believe it gives kids hope. Its huge for us to get out here with them. We bought some NFL players out; just so they can get out, learn things from us and just talk to them.
Do you think camps like this can help with childhood obesity?
Yes! There [are] a lot of benefits with this camp and child obesity is just one. We’ve been putting an emphasis on stopping the violence in Chicago. So, you know anything that will get the children out in the community, doing something active and positive, is a plus. Collaborating with people doing positive things allows kids to go forward. These kids right now are focused on the drills, focused on competing and getting better. They’re not thinking about sitting around with a lot of time on their hands, in front of the TV or playing video games. They’re also not getting caught up in the wrong situation and getting involved with peer pressure.
Do you think sports offer good preparation for life and its lessons?
It’s huge, most people think that sports are just for TV, to get out there and just compete to get paid. And that’s not at all true. One of my biggest takeaways was time management. This is very structured. You get the chance to be around different types of people. So, after football you’re already set up for different types of things in life.
What are your future expectations for this summer camp?
My future expectations right now, since this is my second time being a part of this camp, but to have double the amount of people we had last year. In the future I want to be more organized and have a lot more players out here for the kids to talk to. We want to continue to make a difference in the community.
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