In our pursuit to help youth in our community, we continue to sponsor youth sports and activities which truly help children. Through our ongoing sponsorship of our Community Learning Center in Clearwater, we have begun assisting many young athletes by helping to provide the educational assistance they need to gain college acceptance.
The We Believe in Me Foundation, founded by former Tampa Bay Buccaneer and amazing humanitarian, Jerry Wunsch and Brenda McCarthy (all-around Wonder Woman) bring their students to CLC for one-on-one tutoring.
Additionally, Local Clearwater hero and current Tampa Bay Bucs starting cornerback, Leonard Johnson, has formed his own charitable organization. It is called I AM 29. #29 is Leonard’s current player number with the Bucs. Leonard happens to have been a recipient of Community Learning skilled tutoring when he was a child so he knows, first hand the value of it.
Leonard always makes himself accessible to support local community projects and causes and recently held a fantastic football and cheerleading camp right here in Clearwater at Buccaneers Field.
“I would not be where I am today without the support of my community, my parents, my family, my Church family, and several other community-based organizations all contributing to my success and playing a role in shaping my future.”
Hundreds of children attended this free event and received top-notch football skills training and professional cheerleading and dance training!
Leonard was joined by many fellow players and coaches and volunteers who all gave their time to help our community children.
CES was proud to help! As an event sponsor and helping with the event itself.
The community really came out to support this wonderful activity.
On the event: In Leonard’s words:
“My vision is to have it like a GAME DAY EVENT (we play our games on Sunday) I want to have them feel important, to make it as real as possible for these kids!”
“I love throwing these camps because it gives the kids something to look forward to…(kids think) Leonard Johnson is from this area, he plays in the NFL, and I can too !”
“I wanted to get everyone involved so these kids can first start believing in themselves and also have the support around them to encourage them to pursue their dreams.
“I never went to these camps as a kid. I wish I would’ve had these types of camps when I was growing up!”
“I’ve had such great coaches. All my coaches throughout my life, they all gave me different tools. I’ve learned how, no matter the style of coaching; coaching me hard, or coaching from a distance, no matter the style, no matter the style of coaching. I think it’s VERY important that you just remain coachable!” They all gave me tools and it’s just up to me to bring those things out in me! They all gave me those tools, I just have to use them.”
“The We Believe in Me Foundation, Brenda, Jerry and Holly (from Community Learning Center),
Those guys are awesome! Those are the types of people you need around you in order for stuff to go the right way!”
Enjoy this candid interview with Leonard Johnson on SportsTalkFlorida.
