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  • Shoot Hoops Not Drugs’ fifth free basketball camp was hosted by UNITE at Flat Lick Elementary Thursday. The camp, funded completely by sponsors, is designed to give kids a free alternative to drugs and was directed by former University of Kentucky basketball player Jeff Sheppard. Photo by Kristie Hamon

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June 10, 2011

Former UK star helps kids find alternative to drugs

The Times-Tribune

CORBIN — By Kristie Hamon / Staff Writer

Who needs drugs when you can play basketball with a former University of Kentucky basketball star?

Shoot Hoops Not Drugs’ fifth free basketball camp was hosted by UNITE at Flat Lick Elementary Thursday.

The camp is designed to give kids a free alternative to drugs.

The camp was directed by former UK basketball player Jeff Sheppard.

“He’s a really good guy. If you can get kids to look up to this guy, you’re doing good. He’s a good role model,” said Mike Williams, the West Care Kentucky Clinical director. “That’s one of the best guys you’ll ever meet. He’s never done drugs, he lives by example.”

The camp staff “coaches” were former drug addicts from West Care Kentucky rehab center.

Williams said the camp gives them the opportunity to get good feedback for doing the right thing. Williams said 15 out of 20 West Care coaches who participate in the Shoot Hoops Not Drugs camp make a full recovery.

Dale Morton, the communications director of UNITE, said he has watched the program grow over the years.

“We like to pick areas outside of main areas that way we can be reaching kids we wouldn’t have been able to otherwise,” Morton said.

UNITE is funded completely through its sponsors.

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