U W K S seeks to foster childrens’ intellectual, physical, and social development and encourages a moral responsibility to give back. UWKS believes in each of us helping the next person through programs that serve to enhance the lives of all children, regardless of race or socio-economic status. UWKS also strives to develop in children those critical life skills that are required to be successful and function as productive individuals in society. The program also promotes discipline. The program strengthens each child’s commitment to positive social values such as honesty, integrity, personal responsibility and respect for others through example, introducing them to, and allowing them to interact with, role models of society of varied backgrounds.
The History and Purpose of Up With Kids Sports, Inc.
Samuel grew up in Wilson, North Carolina and graduated from Fike High School where he played basketball under the coaching of the late Harvey Reid. After earning male Athlete Of The Year in 1988, Samuel earned a basketball scholarship to the Chipola Junior College & University of South Alabama where he earned numerous awards. Samuel has played professional basketball for sixteen years in various countries - including, Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Poland, Cyprus, Israel, France and Italy. Most recently, he played with Massagno Basket in Switzerland where he finished the season among the leading scorers. Samuel was MVP two of the three years he played in Cantu and in 2008, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cantu, Italy.
During the summer of 2000, Samuel returned to Wilson, North Carolina and held his first girls’ and boys’ basketball camp at Reid Street Community Center. During the camp, Samuel instructed the participants on the fundamental skills of basketball; however he also had the opportunity to share with them his life experiences, emphasizing the importance of hard work, education, diligence and morals. In addition to sharing his own experiences, Samuel was blessed to have a variety of professionals to support his efforts by providing guidance and inspiration to campers. Among such professionals were lawyers, correctional officers, social workers, educators, professional athletes, members of the clergy and many others. At the completion of the first camp, Samuel was so excited about the potential he saw to positively impact the lives of aspiring young student-athletes, that he set out to continue hosting the camp on an annual basis. Each year thereafter, the Samuel Hines Basketball Camp was held in North Carolina, Georgia or Italy. In 2006, Up With Kids Sports, Inc. was established to enable Samuel to implement his desire to assist young athletes in the development of their basketball skills while also teaching them valuable life skills and lessons.
