LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A familiar name and face is back in Louisville to help with young people in the community.
Former University of Louisville and NFL player Bilal Powell has established the 29th and 9th Foundation and is hosting the Total Wellness Camp at the Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center on Aug. 3.
This free camp is already full and approximately 100 kids ages 9-14 are expected to be there.
“We are thrilled to bring our Total Wellness Camp to the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center,” said Powell. “Our mission is to empower young people through sports and education, and this event embodies our commitment to promoting both physical and mental well-being.”
According to the Sports and Learning Center, the program will combine football drills and mentoring. The camp hopes to not only enhance the physical abilities of the participants, but also foster an understanding about mental health. The center said in release one of the key highlights of the camp will be a panel discussion where experts will provide information about maintaining overall wellness.
The campers will get free t-shirts, have lunch provided by Chick-Fil-A and each will get backpacks filled with school supplies. The foundation hopes this will help campers get the new school year started on the right foot.
The University of Louisville called Powell one of its most explosive running backs in school history when he was honored in 2022 as a member of the ACC Football Honors class. He was the first Cardinal to rush for back-to-back 200 yard games as a senior. He rushed for 204 yards in a game against Memphis and the next week, 209 yards against Cincinnati. The Lakeland, Florida native, played for the Cards from 2007 to 2011.
Powell was selected in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He played his entire career with the Jets, retiring in 2019.