Luke 12:48
About Us
OUR FOUNDERS
What started out as a very close friendship between two Columbus, Georgia natives, Sam Mitchell and Marc Upshaw has become a dream come true for both. For one, the game of basketball and his love for the sport would be what he thought was his ticket out of the poverty stricken East Highland community. His prowess on the basketball court was known in the tri-city area and throughout Georgia . He also flourished as a student athlete at the University of Rhode Island, graduating in 1984. Many felt he was destined for the professional level until a knee injury in his senior year dissolved all hopes of him fulfilling this life long dream. Marc went on to fulfill another dream and is now CEO and founder of a thirteen year old medical company, Global Diagnostic Services, Inc. based out of Conyers, Georgia .
The other young man, however, wasn't so confident of his dormant basketball abilities. His friend saw discipline, hard work and heart in Sam's character and constantly pushed him to excel in the sport. Mitchell would play overseas for three years, followed by a thirteen year career in the NBA playing for the Indiana Pacers and the Minnesota Timberwolves respectively. He is presently in his third year as Head Coach of the Toronto Raptors and has gained the international respect of his players, colleagues and fans.
Maybe it was during an ambitious attempt to travel to Atlanta on their bikes ( Atlanta is approximately 100 miles outside of Columbus ) or maybe it was during another long work out session when the two made a vow to each other that when they “made it,” they would come back and give to the community in a big way. The two childhood friends have made good on this vow.
Those of us who have experienced any amount of success realize that it must begin as a thought. The name of the foundation, The SaMarc Dream and Achieve Foundation, represents this belief to the fullest and it is this belief that lies at the core of the foundation's existence. It is also this belief that is instilled in the many boys and girls who attend our summer basketball camps. Basketball only serves as the carrot however. The camp is much more than the game of basketball. It's about the game of life, dreaming, achieving, and giving.
Where: Columbus State University Gymnasium, Columbus , GA
When: July 26-29, 2010
Time: Monday - Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Thursday 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
ABOUT THE CAMP
They say nothing is truly free in this world; everything comes at a cost. In staying true to this concept, The SaMarc Dream and Achieve Basketball camp is host to approximately 200 boys and girls and charge the children who attend nothing; the cost to them is only that they pay attention.
Since the camp's inception in August of 2004, Sam Mitchell and Marc Upshaw have returned to their hometown every summer to personally participate. The camp features daily coaching instructions lead by Sam Mitchell who is presently Head Coach for the Toronto Raptors as well as his invited guests, players, and other coaches. In addition to lessons on the fundamentals of basketball, the campers are also privy to inspirational speeches from successful professionals ranging from attorneys, physicians and entrepreneurs to athletes. The children also enjoy daily lunches and snacks. The camp culminates with the children escorted to Atlanta for an educational tour, lunch and an opportunity to see the Toronto Raptors vs. the Atlanta Hawks.
Columbus State University 's state of the art gymnasium located in Columbus , GA is the hub from which all of the camp activities take place. We are honored and are very fortunate to have their support.
THE FOUNDATION'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Because of the ardent support from our Sponsors, The SaMarc Dream and Achieve Foundation have been fortunate to realize Sam Mitchell's and Marc Upshaw 's childhood dream in a big way. The foundation has:
- Donated computers to 12 area recreation centers
- Provided educational tours for area students
- Provided game tours (Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks)
- Established SaMarc Foundation Learning Centers
You too can make a difference. For more information, contact us.