HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) – Boo Williams Summer League celebrates 40 years of youth excellence this weekend.
The weekend started with the alumni game Friday night at the Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton.
A “violence-free basketball clinic” was available for children on Saturday morning.
“The bottom line is that we have to stop killing each other,” Boo Williams told 10 On Your Side. “Anytime you give kids the opportunity to get on the basketball court and stay out of trouble to do good, positive things, that’s important!”
It’s clear that Boo Williams has had a positive impact on generations in Hampton Roads and across the country over the past four decades. “I coached kids, then I coached their kids,” Williams said.
Williams said he came up with the idea of starting a youth basketball league in Philadelphia in 1982. He said he wasn’t sure it would work in Hampton, Va., but it s turned out great!
He attributes his success to a team of hard workers, coaches, managers and parents. “I reached my goal but there is always something to hope for!”
The celebration continues at the 40th Anniversary Sneaker Gala at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. Special guests include Ralph Sampson and Cam Thomas.
