Ronnie Ghent, Other NFL Pros To Hold Camps, Fundraiser

LAKELAND | Several NFL players are expected in Lakeland this weekend to offer instruction, sign autographs and mingle with fans during the Ronnie Ghent Youth Achievement Camp, sponsored by The County Buzz.

Ghent, a New Orleans Saints tight end and former Lakeland High School star, will be joined by teammates Marvin Mitchell and Tyler Palko; Antonio Chatman and Quincy Wilson of the Cincinnati Bengals; Keiwan Ratliff of the Indianapolis Colts; Glenn Martinez of the Denver Broncos; Desmond Clark of the Chicago Bears; and the Atlanta Falcons' Chauncey Davis, County Buzz president Leo Etienne said.

The events begin Friday afternoon at Lake Bonny Park with an academic and skills camp targeted at middle- and high-school age football players. The camp, from 5 to 10 p.m., will offer instruction on football skills as well as advice on passing the SAT, ACT and FCAT, applying for financial aid and navigating the recruiting process. Registration begins at 3 p.m., and the $20 fee will be donated to The County Buzz scholarship program. On Saturday at the park, a free camp for kids 7 and older will offer free hearing, eye and dental screenings and offer light football instruction. Registration begins at 6 a.m., and the camp runs from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

A scholarship fundraiser is planned Saturday night at 9 p.m. at the Imperial Swan Hotel & Suites on South Florida Avenue. General admission is $20, but Etienne says $50 gets guests into an area where they can mingle with the pros. The event will include a silent auction, live entertainment, food and beverages. Lakeland football coach Bill Castle will be the special guest. For advance tickets, call 863-647-3000.

The events end Sunday at Lake Bonny Park with a 10 a.m. softball game between the NFL pros and event sponsors. There will be an autograph session afterward.

For more information, call 863-412-9775 or 863-232-0671.

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