Using the time during his off-season, Porter has developed a football camp that instructs the basic and advanced fundamentals on the field, as well as fundamentals off the field and in our everyday lives. Porter started his career with the NFL’s Houston Texans, which is also when he began hosting camps for kids during his off time. After his move up to Canada in 2008, the off-season became longer, giving him more time to host the camp, changing it from weekends into a 12-week, once a week experience that has grown bigger with each passing year.

At the moment the camp is running for 16 weeks and works to mold each player mentally and physically.

“Football and athletics can show how you’re doing emotionally and mentally. I look to explain ways that you can improve your concentration and focus allowing you to immediately realize ‘Well I threw the ball a lot better there, or I ran that route a lot better because I was able to relax myself and really focus’ and I try to explain that those are concepts you can take into life with you everyday, so each day we try to set a little intention,” Porter explained.

“Things like focusing on our breathing or staying relaxed after a bad play, not allowing it to turn into several bad plays, that’s stuff I had to learn throughout my career and I definitely had many issues with that for many years and I’ve learned how to sort of work through some of that stuff, so that was a big reason why I wanted to pass that on, especially the at-risk youth and the kids that have been in trouble in one way or another,” he continued.

“I feel like the whole point in what I’m trying to do with that is to use athletics to improve people’s lives.”

A lifetime advocate of working with and assisting children, Porter’s experiences as a football player have shaped the way he goes about everyday life as well as his role as a leader to the many youth he helps through the game he loves.

“Football was actually a very stressful thing for me for quite a while and something happened where I said ‘Why is it so stressful for me?’ This is a game and I’m lucky to be able to play, I sort of let go and I started incorporating some techniques that people learn with meditation and yoga and relaxation and letting go of things,” said the Portland, Maine native.

“When I was able to do that with football it improved my life so much, my life became better, I got to enjoy the simple things in life without stressing about football so much. It was constantly in my head all the things I did wrong in practice or something like that and I sort of was able to completely stop doing that once I realized the truth to some of those things and once I realized that and how simple that was,” he elucidated.

“Believe me, it’s still something I’m trying to work on now, it’s not ever a completed process and I go up and down with having stresses in my life but it was such a big change for me that I wanted to throw that to other people, so that’s why I approach the athletic training with the kids the way I do.” he explained.

“I can usually see which kids are getting down on themselves when they make a bad throw and I can imagine if that’s what they’re doing when they make a bad throw it’s probably what they’re doing when they’re at school if they don’t understand a concept or if a girlfriend says something mean to them. I want to show them different ways that you can let go of things that have come in the past and let go of the major expectations you have in the future and just live in the moment and give it the best you got and not being so attached to the outcomes. They’ve responded great, they love it, we have fun doing it and the kids that have been coming to me for a few years now and I’m really seeing great improvements and getting great feedback from their parents.”

Assisting the Tiger-Cats quarterback are his brother Luke, who played three years as a center for the University of Maine, and former Baltimore Raven Kendrick Ballantyne who join Porter as camp coaches. Alongside 1st Down Training, Quinton is planning on building an indoor football field in the Southern Maine area.

“There are indoor soccer fields but there aren’t any football fields, so what I’m trying to do is build something called the Maine Athletic Center which we’re starting a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for to build an indoor football field, soccer field, a few basketball courts, batting cages and sort of have this approach to athletic training which is working on the mental and emotional aspects, as well as the physical aspects all under one roof. One of the owners of our hockey team in Portland has agreed to donate the land and make a sizeable donation to it, so we’re going to work on fundraising for that and it’s something I’m excited about.”

Like his role on the field, Quinton Porter continues to work with and pass his knowledge onto those willing to receive.

To learn more about 1st Down Training, visit www.firstdowntraining.com

Rose was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and was the son of former NBA first overall pick Jimmy Walker; although Rose never met his father who passed away in 2007. His time on the basketball court served as an outlet for his frustrations and used his absent father as his fire and motivation. Jalen attended Southwestern High School and the University of Michigan where he helped lead the Wolverines to two back-to-back NCAA Final appearances as a member of the Fab Five. Although falling short both finals appearances, the team and the Fab Five gave the proud people of Michigan something to call their own. His success with the University of Michigan would only be the beginning of his significance to the city of Detroit and State of Michigan.

Rose was selected 13^th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1994 NBA Draft. He was later traded to the Indiana Pacers where he would go on to make a positive impact despite having to wait for his chance to earn a spot as a solidified starter. Rose played for six different organizations over his 13-year career including a better part of three seasons with the Toronto Raptors. After retiring from the NBA, Rose has kept active within not only the basketball community but the Detroit community as well.

The Jalen Rose Leadership Academy opened its doors to 120 ninth graders in September, 2011. The school is an open enrollment public charter high school located on the Northwest side of Detroit. The Academy aims at giving students a leadership-focused education with the basis of real-world, project-based experiences within the career fields of sports and entertainment. All students are required to take the minimum of three university-based courses to ensure their transition for college entry.

The Jalen Rose Leadership Academy provides students with a leadership stressed experience within a high-performing school that not only engages but also inspires Detroit-area youth. His love and passion for the city of Detroit is the fuel for his commitment to give back to the city he calls home and gives inner city youth a chance to accomplish their dreams to live a positive productive life.

Through proper, effective education, Jalen Rose hopes to turn the city of Detroit into a more vibrant, intellectual and economic community. By providing quality education through the career contexts of sports and entertainment, Rose hopes to prepare and educate young minds to make a positive and effective contribution to the growth and revitalization of Detroit.  Jalen Rose had the opportunity to use the game of basketball as an escape from a harsh reality that faces many inner city youth. Basketball gave him a chance to create a better life for himself and his family, a chance he hopes to give thousands of Detroit’s youth today.

Hope is the heart of a dream and without hope dreams can seem impossible. Jalen Rose if offering hundreds of children the chance to have hope and faith in their dreams.

To learn more about the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy visit, http://www.jrladetroit.com/

Young was born in Saint Vincent, West Indies and moved to the United States as an exchange student when she was 15-years old. After a successful high school career she attended Baylor University and helped lead the team to a 2005 National Championship, as well as being honored with the Most Outstanding Player Award. Selected fourth overall in the 2006 WNBA Draft by San Antonio, Young went on to lead the Silver Stars in both scoring and rebounding, and was one of four rookies selected to that year’s All-Star Game. A dominant and effective player on the court, her work within the community and with children in crisis has been just as, if not more, outstanding than her magic in clutch time.

Sophia Young has been vocal and proud about her involvement with the Roy Maas Youth Alternatives Inc. The Foundation, which is proudly visible throughout Sophia’s website – www.sophiayoungblog.com – is dedicated to improving the lives of troubled or abused children, giving them opportunity for success and a better life. By offering counseling centers, emergency shelters, long term plan and shelters in the San Antonio area, the foundation offers children an escape from the harsh reality they may face. Sophia’s role within the foundation has been more than extraordinary, as she has participated and offered countless hours of her time to these children who have faced realities many of us cant begin to imagine. She has treated some of the care centers young ladies to a shopping spree, assists in annual fashion shows and spends countless hours during the off season helping out as much as she can and it shows as she has helped put a smile on so many young faces.

Sophia, alongside the Roy Maas Youth Alternative Inc., also focus on building a positive foundation based on respect and responsibility while giving kids a chance to fulfill their dreams and live a happy successful life. Not only does Sophia work with and provide care for the children residing with Youth Alternative, but she also provides a blog post on her website called ‘Food For Thought’; which provides words of wisdom and encouragement written and posted by Young herself.  By providing positive Bible passages and short but meaningful thoughts of a joyful life, she is constantly connecting with her fans and admirers on much more than a basketball oriented level.

Like so many great athletes who work for the community in and out of the gym, Sophia Young has shown why she is a true Silver Star and what can be achieved when darkness is over come by the light.

To keep up with Sophia’s blogs and messages of hope, visit www.sophiayoungblog.com

For more information on Roy Maas Youth Alternative Inc., visit http://www.rmya.org/index.html

Established in 1999, the Jason Kidd Foundation was created to help kids at any age through all aspects of life. Through mentoring, tutoring and technology programs the JKF is dedicated to improving education among youth to give kids the platform and opportunity to fulfill their dreams. The Jason Kidd Foundation works in partnership with Vogel Alcove, KIPP DFW and Northern Lights School, all in efforts to assist kids in any way possible with the goal of receiving the best education possible.

Jason Kidd has been called one of the most community oriented players in the NBA and his infectious desire to better the people around him to do their best doesn’t end at the sidelines. Jason Kidd’s ability to give off the basketball court is endless as he has participated in a variety of many things. He has participated in Read to Achieve; Mavs Reading and learning centers; has raised money for childhood cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and also shows his support for the American Soldiers. He received the 2009-10 NBA Cares Community Assist Award and has been outstanding in his efforts to improve people’s lives not only in Dallas, but also around the world.

Jason Kidd has had a very successful 17-year career; co-winning Rookie of the Year; a 10-time All-Star; 3^rd all time with 107 triple-doubles and 2 Olympic gold medals. After making two straight appearances in the NBA Finals with the New Jersey Nets and losing both times, many speculated that Kidd would never be crowned an NBA champion. However, like the endless children given a chance to dream big, Jason never stopped believing and finally after 17 seasons in the NBA he captured his first Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy with his Dallas Mavericks.

His ability to stay calm in tough times is what helped lead the Mavericks past the all-powerful Miami Heat and solidify his position as a Hall of Famer. It is that same sense of confidence and ability to keep his composure that has allowed him to help so many people and give kids with little hope the chance to dream big and the ability to chase those dreams with success.

To learn more about the Jason Kidd Foundation, visit http://www.jasonkiddfoundation.org/home.html

Selected 2^nd overall in the 2008 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky, Fowles is a dominant player on the basketball court. Big Syl was named the 2010 WNBA MVP, she has made the 2009 and 2010 All-Star teams and is one of only three women to dunk during an All-Star event. She was a Gold Medalist with the 2008 American women’s basketball team and was the EuroLeague Women 2010-11 All-Star Game MVP. Her presence on the court instills fear in her opponents, as she is able to control games and run the floor at a compelling rate. However, she’ll be the first to tell you that she is like a teddy bear and the people around her all agree, especially those who she has helped so much in such a short time.

The Sylvia Fowles Family Fund takes aim at creating healthy, happy support for families in need. It is also the primary supporter of Team Fowles, which is the elite girl’s AAU basketball team with the Miami Suns Youth Development Program. The program is dedicated to promoting basketball for girls and youth travel basketball across Southern Florida, as well as life skills development for young women pursuing a degree as a student-athlete at an NCAA Division 1 institution.

Aside from providing assistance for young female basketball players, Sylvia is also involved in the fight against epilepsy. After her young nephew was diagnosed, she joined forces with CURE, Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy. In hopes of raising public awareness and funds, Sylvia became an official spokesperson for CURE and has been involved in multiple Epilepsy awareness events such as meet and greets with fellow Chicago Sky teammates and epilepsy patients. She also helped initiate a special ticket program giving a portion of ticket sales made during a home game to the CURE program. In the summer of 2010, Sylvia received the WNBA Cares Community Assist Award in which she received a $5,000 WNBA donation to CURE members, furthering her involvement and generosity towards the battle against epilepsy.

Growing up in tough neighborhoods and having family affected by a disease such as epilepsy, Sylvia Fowles has been given a connection to the people she has affected and helped. She knows the struggles faced by children who can’t afford organized sports and she knows what kind of joy she brings to the teams she helps. She is a perfect role model for young females and a key figure in the battle with epilepsy. Her personality on and off the court has made being a pro look so easy.

To learn more about Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy, visit http://www.cureepilepsy.org/home.asp

To learn more about Team Fowles, visit www.teamfowles.org

To learn more about what Sylvia Fowles, visit http://www.bigsyl.com/#!

Throughout winning 4 NBA Championships; 3 NBA Finals MVP awards; and making 15 All-Star appearances, he has always made time to give back to the community and lend a hand to those who need it. From Shaq-a-Claus to his recently released Shaqolate Milk, Shaquille O’Neal has never been afraid to use his name to the benefit of others. This past Christmas he handed out gifts to children of the Roxbury Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston. Appearing in a Santa hat and interacting with the kids by participating in Ubisoft’s Michael Jackson: The Experience, he gave his young fans a chance to hang out with their hero and be kids.

Shaq has been known to help out with various organizations at various times throughout his career. He has worked frequently with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and not too long ago donated $1 million to the cause. He has appeared in multiple public service announcements and has donated his time to benefit the lives of young children across America.

In 2009, Shaq recorded a public service announcement for the Child Help Foundation where he expressed his desire to help others began when his father helped out a homeless man by giving him money and food. When Shaq asked his father why he did that, he respond by telling Shaq to help those who need it whenever you can. A lesson Shaquille O’Neal has never forgotten, and one he has carried with him his entire time in the NBA.

The Shaq era in the NBA may soon be coming to an end, but his time helping various charities and youth will not be any time soon. A larger than life hero on and off the basketball court, his legacy will carry on leaving not only sports fans but all civilians with a smile when they hear his name or see his face. He is an everyday hero that has never been afraid to stand out or give in to doing the right thing.

To learn more about the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, visit http://www.bgca.org/Pages/index.aspx

To learn more about the Child Help Foundation, visit http://www.childhelp.org/

The Steve Nash Foundation was formed in 2001 aiming to promote health in kids by funding projects and events that provide services to children affected by poverty, neglect or abuse. Through basketball and his love for soccer, Steve connects with the youth in a fun and interactive way by hosting annual tournaments in different cities such as the ‘Show Down’. The Steve Nash Foundation reaches out to youth across North America and also does work in Paraguay, seeking solutions to community needs through their own projects to address critical health and educational needs throughout the region.

Steve not only focuses on the development of the children he helps, but he also shines light on the environment and shows ways to preserve and enjoy Mother Nature.  He also encourages his fans to get in on the action through the 13 Club; a group that utilizes Steve’s assists throughout the NBA season by supporters donating a certain amount per assist.

Throughout his hard work outside of the basketball court, Steve has been recognized time after time for his charitable efforts in the community. In 2006 TIME Magazine named him as one of the 100 most influential people, and was praised by former NBA great Charles Barkley for his unselfishness on the basketball court and being “just a nice guy” because he had paid for a new Pediatric Cardiology Ward in a Paraguayan hospital. In 2007, Nash would receive Canada’s highest civilian honour, the Order of Canada, it was later announced that in 2008 he would be honoured on Canada’s Walk of Fame. The following year Steve would receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree by the University of Victoria.

Steve Nash is respected all through the NBA and in communities all around. He gives kids a chance to forget about whatever it is they may be going through and just think about playing the sports that they love while enjoying all nature has to offer. A true athlete and a true hero, he has made a difference to so many people and he will always be an icon because of it.

To learn more about Steve Nash and his foundation, visit https://stevenash.org/

To learn more about this years annual Show Down, visit https://stevenash.org/showdown/