Community Corner
VIDEO: Devin Hester, Taj Gibson Stress Having Fun at Camps in New Lenox
Devin Hester and Taj Gibson were in New Lenox this weekend for sports camps at Lincoln-Way Central. Watch video recaps of both events.
It is not everyday that there are television crews from ABC, CBS, WGN and CSN at . However, when two of the most recognizable professional athletes in the Chicago area are in town, it is understandable.
"On behalf of the city of New Lenox, we're so excited to not only have great professional athletes that these kids look up to as role models, but (Taj Gibson and Devin Hester) are good qualitly people," said Mayor Tim Baldermann.
There were nearly 400 children in attendance for both Hester's football and Gibson's basketball camp on June 29-30 presented by ProCamps.
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Both Hester and Gibson spoke to the children in the camp about how important it is to get physical exercise.
"While, all your friends might be outside playing Xbox, you need to get out and play," said Hester, who was in his fifth year running the camp.
Find out what's happening in New Lenoxwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Dwayne Wade had hosted the basketball camp in previous years, but had to cancel this summer due to his professional basketball team competing for an NBA title. Bulls forward Taj Gibson was happy to take his place.
"A lot of my coaching staff always say I'm good with kids, that I should be a coach one day," said Gibson prior to his camp. "I'm looking forward to this being the first stop towards that route."
Dozens of volunteers helped out the professional athletes with the camps.
"It's a good chance to teach kids fundamentals and hard work," said head girl's basketball coach Chris Fetherling who volunteered for the event. "This camp really represents what Taj Gibson is all about."
Children that participated in the camps tried their hardest to impress the Chicago all-stars over the two-day period.
