The Tribune

THROUGH the 7th Annual Devard and Devaughn Darling Football Camps, Bahamian native Devard Darling is fulfilling his identical twin brother’s dream to bring American football to the Bahamas.

Presented by his non-profit organisation, the As One Foundation, the camp is open to boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 17, 9am to 1pm Friday & Saturday (July 20-21) at DW Davis Junior High School on Wilton Street in Nassau.

The camp is free of charge to all campers. 

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.

While gaining invaluable skills and training in the game of American football, camp attendees will also receive free T-shirts, meals and beverages and a chance to earn the title of camp most valuable player (MVP).

The As One Foundation was created in 2007 by Devard Darling, in loving memory of his identical brother Devaughn Darling who died of exhaustion and 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 its 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.  

Some 250 campers are expected to attend and are encouraged to arrive early with the printed and completed registration form.

For more information on the As One Foundation, the Devard & Devaughn Darling Football Camp or Operation Hydration please phone 832-308-9984, email Tomia@AsOneFoundation.org or visit www.AsOneFoundation.org

This year, The Bahamas Flag Football League will also partner with the Devard Darling “As One” Foundation to host a youth football camp and flag football tournament at the DW Davis playing field July 20-21 between the hours of 9am and 1pm. 

The camp and tournament will help to provide a venue for teens to develop in the areas of American football and flag football. This is something that not only fosters sportsmanship and teamwork but leadership skills as well. 

Youngsters between the ages of 11 and 17 are invited to register for the free event. 

“We are happy to be involved with this tournament once again,” said BFFL spokesperson Jayson Clarke.

“Last year we had four teams participate in the flag football tournament with great success and this year we are honoured to be playing a bigger role in supporting Devard’s efforts.” 

The BFFL, a member of BFAF (The Bahamas Federation of American Football) began four years ago and now has 15 teams (made up of males and females) and in excess of 400 members.