Georgia Tech senior linebacker Steven Sylvester, a Union Grove High graduate, represented the Yellow Jackets football team at the annual Pigskin Preview, which was held June 14 at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in Macon. Sylvester’s dad is senior Army Instructor and Spalding High Rifle Coach Rod Sylvester. Steven will graduate in December with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.

“He wants to be an analyst. We’ll see,” Rod said. “I’m just as proud of him getting his degree as I am of his exploits on the football field at Georgia Tech.”

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SHERROD MARTIN FOOTBALL CAMP:

Former Griffin High and Troy University standout Sherrod Martin, who stars for the Carolina Panthers at free safety, will be conducting the inaugural Sherrod Martin Football Camp from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 25 at Griffin High.

The one-day fundamental skills camp, which Martin will conduct with the help of some of his NFL friends and the Griffin High coaching staff, is free to all children between the ages of 6-14.

The first 100 campers who pre-register get a free T-shirt, while all campers will also receive lunch free of charge.

To pre-register, go to sherrodmartin.com.

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‘JUMPING’ JOE WARD’S BASKETBALL CAMP:

Former Griffin High and NBA standout “Jumpin’” Joe Ward will conduct a free youth basketball camp for those boys and girls 10 and under from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 5-7 at a new location — the Spalding High Gym — and for ages 11 and older; from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. July 11-14, also at SHS.

Register on site. The camp, traditionally the best attended of all the free summer camps offered by the SCPRD — with daily attendance frequently topping 500 campers — is considered a fundamental skills camp. Ward, a former Mr. Georgia, and local staff will teach the camp both weeks. For more info, call the SCPRD (770) 467-4750.

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FREE JUNIOR GOLF CAMP OFFERED:

Spalding County Parks and Recreation announces another free Junior Golf Camp sponsored by Unlimited Door Foundation. Two weeks of free golf instruction for youth ages 8-18 will be offered from 8:30 a.m. to noon July 11-21 at City Park behind the community center. No special equipment is needed — balls and clubs will be provided. Youth will learn proper grip, putting skills, proper swing, proper stance and more! Space is limited so register early — it can be done online at www.spaldingparksandrec.com or at the Parks and Recreation Main office.

For further information, call 770-467-4750.

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KENNEDY ROAD MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP:

Coach Sylvester Elkins and the Kennedy Road Middle School coaching staff will conduct the school’s second summer youth football camp from 9 a.m. until noon on July 11-14 at Kennedy Road Middle School, 280 Kennedy Road in Griffin. Cost for the camp is $30 and must be paid by money order, cashier’s check or cash — no personal checks will be accepted. All money orders and cashier’s checks need to be made payable to Kennedy Road Middle School.

The camp is for all youth ages 9-14 and they must bring cleats, shorts and a t-shirt. Pads and helmets along with snacks and a camp t-shirt will be provided. The campers will learn the fundamentals of the game of football and will participate in skill competitions every day.

Special guests at the camp will include 1980 National Champion Georgia Bulldogs players Lindsay Scott, Buck Belue, Dale Williams, Daryll “DJ” Jones and Matt Simon.

To register for the camp, go to the school to get a registration form or get a form online at the Kennedy Road Middle School Web site. The form and payment must be in by July 1. For more info, contact coach Elkins at (678) 699-7812 or (770) 483-9617.

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SOCCER CAMP:

A free youth soccer camp will be offered for ages 6-12 from 9-11 a.m., and for ages 13-and-older from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. July 18-19 at the City Park Community Center, and at the same times July 20-21 at the Fairmont Community Center.

Register on-line or at the community center by July 11.

For more info, call the Spalding County Parks and Recreation Department (770) 467-4750.

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LAMONT HAMM MEMORIAL FOOTBALL CAMP:

The Lamont Hamm Memorial Football Camp will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. on July 25, 26, 28 and 29 at Volunteer Park. Register on-site for the free youth camp. The fundamental skills camp is for youth ages 8-12. For more info, call the Spalding County Parks and Recreation Department at (770) 467-4750.