Friday, November 14, 2003

It’s hoops time in Fairburn this weekend

By LINDSAY BIANCHI
Special to The Citizen

The Atlanta Hawks, Delta Air Lines and the City of Fairburn have teamed up to transform Duncan Park into a basketball festival of fun Sunday at 1:30 PM.

Atlanta Hawks In Our Neighborhood, a new program sponsored by the sports team gets under way in a big way this fall in Fairburn with a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by a full afternoon of events.

Marcie Williams who volunteers her time and energy to the Fairburn Parks and Recreation Department is Duncan Park's most enthusiastic cheerleader. Together with local businessman David Johnson, the two set up a meeting with a Hawks representative when they heard of the basketball team's practice of resurfacing courts in the Atlanta area. At the time they were told that all the sites had been chosen for the year to come, but Williams did not stop there.

She began to relate the needs of kids outside the metro Atlanta area. She pointed out that "they have a lot of the same types of situations that Atlanta proper has," with overworked parents and children who need adult guidance.

After discussing the possibilities, Williams suggested they start off their new program at Duncan Park. Once they had seen the facility they "fell in love with it" and decided to go forward with the clinic as well as the resurfacing.

Builders from Trotter's Farm are contributing the manpower and materials for the basketball court's overhaul. The Hawks are topping it off by emblazoning their logo on it.

"I guess you could say it was a true collaboration." Williams remarked who is excited for the kids and the future of Duncan Park.

Hawks players, including Dominique Wilkins, and Hawks coaches will be on hand to host a basketball clinic for those who attend. In addition they will also sponsor reading circles during the day for all young readers. Kids are encouraged to bring their favorite book along to read. The fall festival hopes to get South Fulton pupils excited about using their minds as well as their bodies.

Visits from Harry the Hawk, Skyhawk, the Hawks Dance Team, Hawks inflatables and games are expected to add to the fun. Delta Air Lines DJ Truck will be on hand to provide music and will also have their prize wheel spinning with lots of giveaways. Food will be available from several local organizations to fuel the slam dunks.

McIntosh High School's Drumline is slated to perform as well. So, officials urge you to put your hightops on this Sunday, come on out to meet your favorite Hawks players and pick up some tips on the rebound. The dribbling doesn't stop until 4:30 p.m. For more information about this event or directions to Duncan Park, visit www.hawks.com or call Melody Barnes at 770-964-2244.