Heyyyyyyyy woooooorrrrrrrrlllllddddd!!!
How’s everybody’s summers going out there??? I hope you guys had some fun and have been on some cool vacations before you have to go back to work or start school again. I know I’ve had a blast all summer, travelling a lot and seeing the world. I’ve been to Italy, Germany and Spain and several cool places here in the U.S. too. It still amazes me sometimes how basketball has allowed me to see the world and visit with people all over the globe.
I’m back in Orlando this week for my annual basketball camp out at UCF, the Dwight Howard Basketball Camp. We have more than 500 kids ages 7-18 at the camp this week and it’s just so cool for me to see all of those smiling faces. I’m out at the camp every day and it’s neat to see the kids working on their skills and getting better every day. And with me, it’s about the interaction with the kids and showing them that I care about them.
I know with some of the athletes’ camps, they put their name on it and never even show up. But that’s just not me because I think the best way to show someone how much you care is by spending time with them on a personal level. I wanted to conduct these camps because I didn’t have the resources to do this when I was a kid, so I wanted to give the kids a safe place to hang out with an NBA player and also work on their basketball skills.
Of all the things that I do, I think this camp is one of the coolest because of the impact it has one the kids. If I can help one kid, then it’s worth it. Sometimes just showing them that you care, listening to them and making them laugh can make all of the difference in the world. So it’s good to see the smiling faces on the kids again!!!
I just got back from Houston where I have been working out with Hakeem “The Dream’’ Olajuwon once again. He has a personal gym at his house and we got in a pretty tough workout every day last week. This year, instead of working just on back-to-the-basket stuff, we did some power forward and face-up drills. Learning that sort of stuff can only help me and give me more weapons in my arsenal for next season – whenever that might be.
People made a big deal out of me working with Hakeem last year, and I’m sure they will again. But really, he’s just giving me drills to work on and tips. It’s up to me to put in the work, listen to the advice and put it together on the court. So I just feel like without the blood, sweat and tears that I put in on the court, none of it would mean much. But I’m taking what Dream tells me and working on it over and over until I perfect it.
Even though I have been travelling a lot, I’m still managing to get in plenty of workouts to better my game. Right now, I’m on the court six days a week. Sometimes I’ll get in a session at midnight and sometimes I’ll work out at 6 o’clock in the morning. My schedule is so busy during the day so sometimes I have to be flexible. And even when we’re on the road in other countries, my trainer and manager make sure to find a gym so I can get a good sweat in. I really feel like players get better during the summer, and I know that I’ve put in the time and the work to put myself in a position to keep improving.
After my camp this week, I’m off to New York to film an episode of 106 & Park for BET. Then, I’m off to Africa again for a 10-day trip. We’re going to Tanzania to take medicine and supplies to the people there in need. The trip to Africa a couple of years ago really opened my eyes to how many people around the world who are in need and I wanted to go back and help however I can. We had to take a bunch of shots before going to Africa to guard against the diseases there, but it will be worth it when we get there and have the chance to help the people out.
Well, I’m gonna get out of here for now. Thanks to everyone attending my camp this summer. Hopefully this lockout will get solved real soon and we can have this season start on time. I’m going to keep on working with my drills and stuff and I’ll be ready whenever it begins.
Peace out, everybody!!! Yuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!
DWIGHT
Tags: Dwight Howard, Dwight Howard Blog, Heeeeeeeyyyyyy wooooorrrrrllllllddddddddd
Wassup? I just wanna say have fun…… Maybe you should visit Suriname(South-America) 4 a camp. We would like to. Just like u said ” I think the best way to show someone how much you care is by spending time with them on a personal level”
Have fun.
Hey my idol. I have loved you as a person and as a basket ball star. This feeling has just been multiplied by 10, when I read that you take interest in the sufferings of people in Africa where I am originally from. Besides the magnificent work you have been doing with helping these poor populations in Africa, have you ever thought of building or opening a center that would carry your name to perpetuate your good actions on the mother land?
Dwight Howard,
I want to wish you the best of luck in Tanzania. I was fortunate enough to grow up in Kenya and have been to Tanzania a couple of times. It’s beautiful. And as far as having your eyes opened to how much need there is, it’s so true. As westerners and especially Americans, life can be so easy and care-free. This is why I am so passionate about an organization known as Invisible Children. If you haven’t heard of them, they are a non-profit that is helping bring child soldiers home and rebuilding wore torn countries through education in Central Africa (Uganda, Congo and the D.R.C.). I’m a sophomore at UCF and I’m really trying to raise awareness around the Orlando area of this cause that I’m so involved in. From now until December, I am trying to raise $32,000 for Invisible Children to help bring children home from the atrocities they are forced to commit. I would love it if I could sit down and talk with you about Invisible Children. I have the original documentary for you, the movie that started the whole organization and would only ask for you to watch it and process it. I attend Summit Church and have seen you there a couple times as well. I do not mean to impose on you and I’m sure I seem like just another person that wants your money. That is not the case at all. I just want you to be aware of this situation because I know that a whole bunch of people look up to you and respect you, me included, and you have a lot of power in that. If you are interested in the slightest please email me at sveatch3@gmail.com. I would love to introduce you to what is happening over there. It must end. Thank you so much, I hope you get a chance to read this and best of luck in Tanzania.
- Sam
Dear Dwight,
Have a safe flight to Africa. I am so proud of you helping people and staying in shape to improve your game. Donot not worry, the lock out will be over soon. I am looking foward to seeing you play. ThankGiving, New Year is almost here that will make mw very happy, keep believing in yourself because your already a winner with that great smile. Know that your a star and the kids love you. I will be going back to work soon with the children. Enjoying the summer at the beach , reading, improving my health and a total life style change with diet and excerise. Reading the bible and doing the right things in life. Remember that I will never forget you and wish you the best. Stay happy and safe. Peace and love and the joy is yours. keep your soul alive feed it, clease it, God loves you.
Peace out …….to you too. May God Bless you Always.
Joanne
We love you in Asia! Please email me if you are coming to Singapore! X
Just want to say that Im so deep in love with you… i know that you’ll proly never answer…
I like the way you are, so energetic, always happy, always funny… and you are AN AMAZING PLAYER (Im honest, cuz i really like basketball… and I always watch the game)…
Im just a young African woman, studying in Canada…
I REALLY LOVE YOU, maybe one day, i will see you… and i will be your girl…
Take care… never change the way you are…
PS:excuse my english… it isn’t my native language…
XO
M.
Hey Dwight,
First off, I am so happy to here you will be going (have gone?) to Tanzania to provide supplies for those in need. We all know (but some like to forget) that there are people ALL over the world waiting, hoping, wishing for their chance to JUST live another day. Luckily there are celebrities, NGO’s and philanthropists (errrm… the rich) to give help to some.
Now…
As a Downtown Orlando resident I can tell you that we need you boy. Stay in this town, pick up your team (no pressure), and bring the Magic the championship they (you!) deserve. Keep up that work with Mr. Olajuwon and hopefully the bureaucrats running the NBA will get their heads on strait and the sticks out of their proverbial bums.
Sincerly,
Halena
Dwight,
I’ve really missed going to the games and watching you. I can’t wait for next season to start. I really hope they don’t put it off too long!! I hope that nothing happens during this break that keeps you from coming back to Orlando.. I just dont think The Magic would be the same without Dwight Howard. Hope you have a great trip. Be safe!!!
Love Alysen R.
Lakeland, FL
Dear Dwight, you and your pals who play for the NBA are ruining my family, both my wife and i will lose our jobs working at the Amaway Arena because there is NO basketbal season.thanks a bunch you greedy man. we are so very happy to hear that you had a nice summer. you greedy man.
i hope to never see you again in my lifetime and hope that your carreaer is short.
Hello Dwight: Let me get right to the point. You need help with your free throw shooting. Last year you improved, but 59.2% still doesn’t cut it, especially getting fouled as much as you do. With the current NBA lockout you probably have some extra free time on your hands. How would you like to put it to use to improve your free throw percentage this year?
I can help you. My method AUTOMATICFREETHROWS (dotcom) was used by five colleges last year and THEY ALL IMPROVED! I guarantee the method will work for you. All I need is an hour or so with you and bingo…you’ll have it and some newfound MAGIC!
Check out my website and contact me at your convenience.
Thanks…Cob Carlson
Hey Dwight I admire your humanitarian efforts. It’s nice to see a public figure take on the responsibility of using thier exposure to better the lives of those in real need.
Dwight! please come to the knicks! our team is built to win championships for years to come with our young talented players. With the addition of you there will be no team in the nab that would even be close to beating us. Think about it Carmelo you and Stoudemire are 3 of the best offensive players in the game. You three are un-guardable. also you help us out a lot in height and defense which we lack tremendously. If you go to LA your going to an aging team with gasol and kobe both getting up there in age along with lamar. Might I also tell you that NY is the mecca of basketball and believe it or not basketball is the biggest sport here and if the knicks became dominant I can guarantee you that no one is going to be talking about the yankees anymore! The endorsements that you will get here will also be tremendous. It will be more in nyc then any other place in the world! We are the most loyal fans and why wouldn’t you want to play for the home team at the garden? There it is, i’ve made my case, i know I’m no body to you but I hope you get a chance to read this for yourself so you could take into consideration some of the things I’ve mentioned. I just thought it would make a lot of sense for you and your career to end up in the big apple! Btw if you decide to come to the knicks I can hook you up with plumbing for your house. My father owns a plumbing company in NY and he already does Amare’s apartment. So think about it, thats all I ask
You’re such a great person Dwight, love youuuu keep doing what you do best. I swear I’m your biggest fan lol <3