Father’s Day brings out emotion in Butler

Wizards’ All-Star to host basketball tournament

BY LINDSAY FIORI
Journal Times

Saturday, June 14, 2008 2:09 PM CDT

On Sunday, fathers and their children can spend part of Father’s Day dribbling basketballs with Caron Butler, a Racine native and All-Star with the Washington Wizards of the National Basketball Association.

The George Bray Neighborhood Center, 924 Center St., is hosting the Caron Butler 3D Explosion Basketball Clinic to bring fathers and children together.

“I wanted to have a father-kids game day because it’s something I know I would enjoy with my kids,” Butler said.

He said his three children will spend Father’s Day with him at the event. Butler will sign autographs, take pictures, hand out T-shirts and play basketball drill games with those at the clinic. He said he will also make sure everyone has a good time.

Mark Hertzberg Journal Times Caron Butler, a Racine native who plays for the Washington Wizards in the National Basketball Association, is overcome with emotion Friday during ceremonies to unveil the 3D Legacy learning center project at the Cops ‘N Kids Learning Center, 800 Villa St. Butler, who helped fund the project, will hold his third annual bike giveaway this morning at the Dr. John Bryant Community Center. On Sunday, he will host a Father’s Day clinic at the Bray Community Center from 10 a.m. to noon, and a family skate party at Skatetown USA at 4 p.m. His mother, Mattie, is next to him.

“I want to bring back fun to the community,” Butler said. “We’ve been hit with a whirlwind of floods and everybody is down with the weather.”

Butler said a basketball camp director will be on hand to teach kids the fundamentals and the three Ds — determination, dedication and discipline.

“It was intentionally planned for Father’s Day, which ended up working out perfectly with my schedule,” Butler said.

Butler said he chose Father’s Day for the event because the day has always meant a lot to him.

“It’s something that always was sentimental in my life and close to my heart,” he said. “I was raised without a father so I know the value of having a father. Fathers should be acknowledged and appreciated.”

While Butler’s biological father did not play a role in his life, he said he had father figures and mentors who helped him over the years. One of those mentors is Jameel Ghuari, Bray Center executive director.

“In many ways, I think the role I played in his life was that of a father figure,” said Ghuari, 55 of Racine. “Every day is a father’s day but it’s nice to celebrate it.”

Up to 100 parents and children can attend the event. Those interested in attending can show up at the door or guarantee a spot by preregistering by calling the Bray Center at (262) 634-5949.

If You Go

WHAT: Father’s Day Clinic; basketball, autographs, photos and giveaways with Caron Butler of the Washington Wizards.

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

WHERE: George Bray Neighborhood Center, 924 Center St.

COST: Free.

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