At the camp we try to motivate the kids and push them to excel. If they start to see that they can accomplish things on a basketball court, they usually start to feel good about themselves in general. Williams grew up in the downtown neighborhood where he runs his basketball camp, now in its fifth season, out of makeshift quarters on loan from a local high school. When he speaks, his budding all-stars sit up and listen because he's been there and done it. Williams began the camp as an outlet for inner-city youngsters who might otherwise slide into delinquency during the idle summer months.
Some parents schedule their vacations in accordance with the camp schedule.
With its reputation and client base firmly established, to the point where college scouts have put the academy on their talent pool itinerary, Williams is working to develop a sponsorship base that would allow the academy to find a permanent home and expand its activities. The idea being to use sports as a means to imbue youngsters with the values of teamwork, respect for others, fair play and perseverance. The sheer energy flowing on all four courts on any day at the camp is exhilarating for both participants and observers. Everybody gets room to participate, and steady urging to do their best. Boys, girls, black kids, white kids, kids wearing yarmulkes, kids who speak French and kids who speak English, all of them doing it together and high-fiving each other like mates on a N.C.A.A. championship squad.