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NFL players in Acadiana help kids train like All-Stars

by Kari Walker

Kyries Hebert and Roman Harper organize local camp held Saturday in Eunice.

Eunice native and former Cincinnati Bengals player Kyries Hebert

On Saturday, May 18, youngsters of Acadiana have the opportunity to train like the pros at the Acadiana All-Star Weekend Football, Cheer & Dance Camp hosted by Kyries Hebert and Roman Harper.

Hebert, a former Ragin' Cajun MVP and NFL record holder, has teamed up with Saints Superbowl champion Harper to provide hands-on training and mentoring to youths.

The Ky Cares Foundation reports that more than 30 NFL and Canadian Football League players will be coaching for football and about 15 NFL and NBA cheerleaders and dancers will assist with leading the cheer and dance camp. In addition to Hebert and Harper, a few other confirmed NFL players coaching are three-time Superbowl champ Kevin Faulk, Superbowl winners Brandon London of the New York Giants and Baltimore Raven Deonte Thompson, and NFL record holder Terrell Owens.

The camp will be held at Eunice High School from 9 a.m-2 p.m for students in kindergarten through high school seniors. Registration can be completed online or the morning of camp at 8 a.m. The cost is $65 per child, and a discounted rate of $35 is available to children who meet qualifications. Anyone unable to afford the registration should contact the Ky Cares Foundation on how a child can qualify for a scholarship. The nonprofit organization's mission is to help kids overcome adversity by instilling in them that their circumstances don't have to dictate their futures.

The camp was first hosted in 2010 with 300 campers and grew to 2,300 participants in 2012. Funds raised through the camp benefit The Kyries Hebert Scholarship, which is awarded to a student athlete to assist with furthering their education, and additional funds generated help aid the donation of sports equipment to area schools in need.

Saints Superbowl Champion Roman Harper will be in Acadiana Saturday as part of Acadiana All-Star Weekend events.

This camp is part of a weekend-long series of events hosted by the Ky Cares Foundation. A gala will take place at the Acadiana Center for the Arts Saturday from 7 p.m. -11 p.m. where event attendees have the opportunity to meet and greet many familiar faces from the NFL and other celebrities. All proceeds raised from the gala will help sponsor a child for the Acadiana All-Star Weekend Football, Cheer & Dance Camp.

Ticket and sponsor details can be found on the Ky Cares website.