Get ready for ‘Weems Week’ events

Former Blue Devil to host basketball academy, school supply giveaway & more

By Billy Woods

WM School District Weems Week is on the way.

West Memphis basketball star Sonny Weems, who has enjoyed an illustrious pro career both in the NBA and overseas, will give back to his community next week with a flurry of activities for his fellow West Memphians.

The former Blue Devil state champion is back in his hometown for his annual week of fun and basketball instruction.

The week begins at Lehr Arena on July 23-24 (Tuesday and Wednesday) with the annual Sonny Weems Basketball Academy powered by the Junior NBA.

The free camp is for boys and girls age 10 through 12. The camp will go from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.

On Thursday it’s the Crittenden County Winners Ball at the West Memphis Civic Center. The Ball will honor the top high school basketball stars in the county. Proceeds will go to the Weems World Foundation.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

on Thursday. Tickets can be purchased at www.

weemsworld.org.

And on Friday it’s the annual Weems Backpack Giveaway from 5-7 p.m.

at Lehr Arena. There will be 200 backpacks full of school supplies given to the first kindergarten through third-grade students to show.

No registration is necessary.

“We keep coming up with fresh ideas for Weems Week,” said Weems. “This year, the gala is going to be big. Our aim is to extend it to all age groups in West memphis — trying to equip the next leaders of our comunity.”