Annual football, cheer camp to take place in mid April

Published 8:20 pm Monday, March 30, 2015

Michael Johnson speaks through a megaphone at last year's youth and football camp. --File Photo

Michael Johnson speaks through a megaphone at last year’s youth and football camp. –File Photo

Dallas County High School alumnus and NFL star Michael Johnson is returning to Selma for his youth football and cheerleading camp, and he may be bringing a few other NFL players with him.

The sixth annual camp, which is for youth ages 8-17, will be held April 17-18 at Memorial Stadium.

“I love doing things for the kids,” said Michael’s mother, Thomasene Johnson, who helps organize the camp. “It gives me so much joy for that day to come about and to see it actually come to fruition. I get a big kick out of it, helping these kids.”

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Thomasene said she’s not sure what other NFL players might make an appearance, but someone usually does. Last year Selma’s Ben Obomanu and Johnson’s Cincinnati Bengals teammates Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap were among those that helped out as assistants.

Thomasene said Michael looks forward to the camp every year because it gives him a chance to give back to the community where he grew up.

“He always had that big heart to give … and kids pretty much imitate what they see,” Thomasene said. “To him it’s a big need to give back and to do things that’s helpful to kids. He wants to see them successful like him.”

As part of the camp, motivational speaker Donnie Thurman Jr. will talk Friday at a special event at Wallace Community College Selma from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. A guest recruiter from South Florida University and representatives from WCCS and Concordia College Alabama will also speak.

The cost for the camp is a $20 donation, which goes towards Johnson’s foundation. To register students can log on to the MJ93.org website or can pick up application forms at Calhoun Foods, Allez-Oup and at the YMCA of Selma-Dallas County.

Registration forms have also been delivered to local schools, Thomasene said.

The University of Alabama has also teamed with Johnson to perform physicals for the campers. Thomasene said Michael will pay for all the physicals, which would be $10 per student, so they’re free for anyone registered to take part in the camp.

Thomasene said this coming Saturday at Autozone they will set up a table and hold a registration drive. At the drive, they’ll set up appointments for youth to see the doctor for their physical.

Anyone with further questions about the camp can reach Thomasene at 419-3544.