CHARLESTON, W.Va. — When presented with the opportunity to host a football camp in his hometown, Charleston-native and NFL player Ryan Switzer said he wanted to do something unique.
“Anyone can go back and put on a camp and make an appearance and take pictures,” he said. “I wanted to do something that would be lasting. I wanted to do something that would impact lives down the road.”
This is what led to the creation of the Switz Skills Challenge, the one-day football camp hosted at Charleston’s George Washington High School. The camp, to be held July 14, is open to children with or without special needs between the ages of 6 and 13.
“It’s pretty much a glorified combine,” he explained on MetroNews “Sportsline” last week. “The kids are going to be put through 40-yard dash testings, powerball testing, there’s going to be a game at the end, a competition.”
Switzer, who was traded to the Oakland Raiders in April, will not be alone; former West Virginia players John Pennington, Quincy Wilson and Rasheed Marshall will be in attendance, as will Blaine Stewart of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“It’s going to be a unique world-class event, man. I’m excited,” Switzer said.
Proceeds from the camp will go to the Special Olympics of West Virginia; Switzer said they have already raised $30,000. He added the ultimate goal is to allow kids without disabilities to understand other children their age.
“I’m hoping that after that day, they’ll see that these kids are so similar to them, so full of life and that a lot of smiles will be brought out on that day,” he said.
The cost of registration is $25. You can learn more about the camp HERE.