Oklahoma NBA Basketball Standout Returns Home To Give Back

He’s an Oklahoma basketball legend and he’s back in Midwest City this weekend, making sure there are more legends coming behind him.

“Now I have the opportunity to come back and help out the kids that are in my district where I grew up,” said former Duke University and NBA standout, Shelden Williams.

Williams, who grew up in Midwest City, started the Shelden Williams foundation three years ago when he learned budget cuts in his hometown were ending youth sports in Mid-Del elementary schools.

“It kind of hit home to me, you know, [...] a town that I grew up in, the district that I grew up in, not having that. I couldn’t imagine growing up and not having sports in the elementary schools,” said Williams.

Through his foundation he started a youth basketball league, where there is no cost to play and no cost to attend the games.

“It was such a success the first year, I brought on the girls the next year, and everyone just seemed to have fun with it,” said Williams.  

In an effort to draw attention to the league, this Saturday, August 19th he will host his third annual community family fun day.

“This is a free event. This is my way of kind of giving back to the community and letting the community know that this is a great time not only for the kids but for the parents as well,” said Williams.

There will be lots of games, music, free food and of course plenty of water and Gatorade.

“I saw that the weather is going to be a little hot on Saturday, so hopefully that doesn’t deter anybody. I’m going to have lots of tents for shade and everything,” said Williams.

For those that brave the heat, there will be lots of prizes.

“This year, I’m doing something a little different. I’m doing a little silent auction, so I can continue to raise money to do more things for the kids in the community and hopefully that goes well too,” said Williams.

The fun is at Midwest City’s Rose Field from 12-3 p.m.

“Get here early so you can get your seats and be underneath the shade, and just have a good time,” said Williams. 

For more information about the event or the foundation visit www.sheldenwilliamsfoundation.com or follow him on Instagram @TheSheldenwilliams.