For Miami Heat guard, and former UNC standout, Wayne Ellington, life was turned upside down on Nov. 9, 2014.
His father, Wayne Ellington Sr., was shot to death in the driver’s seat of his red Oldsmobile in the Ellingtons’ hometown of Philadelphia.
In response, the younger Ellington has become a devoted advocate for gun safety–even taking home the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award for his tireless efforts. The honor is given annually to the player who displays outstanding service and commitment to the community.
Next up in Ellington’s continued campaign, though, is the inaugural Philadelphia Peace Games at Girard College on Saturday Aug. 20.
The event’s goal is to bring together at-risk youth and young adults while emphasizing gun violence, prevention and advocacy.
“Gun violence is a global epidemic and it is my hope and intention to develop public education campaigns to help wipe out the threat,” Ellington said in a statement. “My father was taken from us due to senseless gun violence. I will do anything I can to prevent other families from suffering through these tragedies, which are all too common.
“I was really moved at last year’s Peace Games in Chicago and I’m excited to make an impact in my hometown community.”
Four teams made up of at-risk youth will compete in a basketball tournament that will be open to the public. Appearances by local and national celebrities will also be made–in an effort to bring together people from different backgrounds for an open conversation exploring the dangers of gun violence.
The Peace Games are a part of Ellington’s “Power of W.E.” initiative, a campaign focused on the reduction of youth violence in Philadelphia.
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