BELLAIRE, OHIO — August 3, 2026 — Hip-hop executive Billy Blaize, CEO of The Council 2432, owner of the Holistic Cloud and a longtime advocate for community engagement, will join local leaders, coaches and collegiate athletes for the Fourth Annual James D. Watts Sr. “Uncle D” Kids Camp, returning to Bellaire, Ohio, August 4–6, 2026.
The free three-day basketball camp is open to students entering grades 1 through 8 and will take place daily from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Designed to inspire the next generation through athletics, mentorship and education, the camp combines basketball fundamentals with life lessons centered on leadership, discipline, teamwork and community service.
The annual event honors the legacy of James D. Watts Sr., affectionately known as “Uncle D,” whose commitment to investing in young people continues to impact families throughout the Ohio Valley. Built around the theme “Teaching. Training. Building Champions. Ballin’ for a Legacy,” the camp has become one of the region’s premier youth development programs.
Billy Blaize support highlights the growing connection between the music industry and community outreach. Blaize’s participation reflects ongoing commitment to youth empowerment, education and creating positive opportunities beyond entertainment.
Day One – Tuesday, August 4
Campers will learn from Alexis Bordas, standout guard from West Virginia University, whose impressive accomplishments include being a three-time WV Gatorade Player of the Year, Wheeling Park High School’s all-time leading scorer, a Duquesne University All-Rookie Team selection, and now continuing her collegiate career at West Virginia University. Bordas will encourage campers to pursue excellence both academically and athletically.
Day Two – Wednesday, August 5
The second day features Kelvin “Bubby” Goodwin, head boys basketball coach at The Linsly School. Goodwin is Ohio’s only First Team All-State boys basketball player to earn the honor three consecutive years while competing at Wheeling Park High School. He will speak with campers about leadership, discipline, perseverance and achieving success both on and off the court.
Day Three – Thursday, August 6
The camp concludes with a community celebration where every participant will enjoy lunch provided by the world-famous Gulla’s Hot Dogs, giving campers an opportunity to celebrate the week’s accomplishments together while enjoying one of the Ohio Valley’s most iconic local favorites.
Community partnerships remain the foundation of the James D. Watts Sr. “Uncle D” Kids Camp. Semper Fi Paving leads an outstanding coalition of businesses and organizations whose generosity makes this free camp possible for hundreds of young athletes throughout the Ohio Valley.
Additional support is proudly provided by Muxie Distributing Co., Gulla’s Hot Dogs, Bellaire Dairy Queen, RE/MAX Broadwater, Movers 4 You, Chirps Auto, McGhee Valley Properties, Sparkle & Shine Baton Studio, World Gym, The Holistic Cloud, Wheeling Jesuit College, Denny’s Blue Angel, and M&E Entertainment.
As part of their support, RE/MAX Broadwater and Wheeling Jesuit College will provide drinks and popsicles throughout the camp to keep participants refreshed during daily activities. Gulla’s Hot Dogs will provide lunch for campers on the final day, while Bellaire Dairy Queen, along with the Crozier family, has donated 75 complimentary ice cream cones for youth attending the camp, adding a special treat to an unforgettable week.
The Fourth Annual James D. Watts Sr. “Uncle D” Kids Camp continues to demonstrate what can be accomplished when educators, athletes, businesses and community organizations unite to invest in the next generation. Through mentorship, athletic instruction and meaningful relationships, the camp provides young people with experiences that extend far beyond basketball.
Families throughout the Ohio Valley are encouraged to register their children and take advantage of this free opportunity to learn from accomplished collegiate athletes, respected coaches, community leaders and special guests dedicated to building future champions.
Event Information
Dates: August 4–6, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Daily
Location: Bellaire, Ohio
Grades: 1st–8th
Admission: Free
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