VICK SPEAKS TO CAMPERS AT HAMPTON UNIVERSITY
Maurice D. Williams 08/11/09

HAMPTON, Va. – Michael Vick, a native of Newport News and former Atlanta Falcons and Virginia Tech standout, took the time to speak to campers at the Ed Joyner Jr. Basketball Camp Tuesday on the campus of Hampton University.

Vick walked into the Hampton University Convocation Center as a special surprise guest speaker to the campers and a few others. He spoke before a crowd of about 250 people. Vick talked to the campers about the journey to achieve their dreams and the steps that they should take to make those dreams come true.

He talked on the importance of respect: “Respect your parents, coaches and your teachers,” Vick told the campers. “Respect helps you to make wise decisions.” He also talked about the importance of wisely picking your friends.

Vick told the campers, “Use me as an example for your dreams…I accomplished all of my goals, but then I allowed someone who didn’t have my best interests at heart take all that away for me.”

His final point to the campers was the importance of a great education. He informed them that school is the most important thing right now and they have to get good grades and they should stay in school.

“We are really excited about the that face that Vick took the time out of his busy schedule and was able to come by and speak to the campers,” said Pirates interim head coach Ed Joyner Jr. “I think that this was a great opportunity for the kids to get a chance to meet him and they all wanted to get his autograph and picture taken.

“Vick had some very important things to tell the players, and I believe that they understand where he is coming from and will take it all in, but it was very enjoyable and we are glad that he was able to come out today.”