An NFL star returned to his Triad roots to pass his sports skills on to a new generation of players.

D.J. Reader is heading into his second season as a defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions. The NFL veteran was drafted in 2016 by the Houston Texans, but his career began when he was a player at Grimsley High School in Greensboro.

“This is the beginning of it for me,” he said, standing on Grimsley’s field. “I’m on year ten, the latter half of my career, and this game’s done so much for me.”

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That’s why he returned to lead his eighth Youth Football Camp, which is open to kids ages 6 to 15 at no cost. He says they get to learn the fundamentals of football from throwing the ball to zig-zagging across the field. He says over the years, returning players have built their skills.

“There’s some kids I see every year, so it’s awesome to see them all the time,” he said. “I got some kids that last longer this year already because they’ve made it through the stretch line. So, we’re doing good.”

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Reader says growing up in Greensboro, his mother and late father instilled in him a sense of service, which is why he launched his A Son Never Forgets Foundation. He says his goal is to help kids reach theirs.

“It’s a blessing to see them getting ready to come out here and enjoy what can take them wherever they want to go in the world,” he says.

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He says the lessons don’t end when the kids leave the field.

“I just hope these kids learn to work hard and just understand that it’s just fun to get out there with your friends,” he said. “Have a good time. Be outside. Be around with people, and just be around the community, and that’s really all I hope they get from it.”
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Sri Lanka captain Tharinda Ratwatte said his side were coming to “make some noise” ahead of their Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship clash with Hong Kong on Sunday.

Back in the top tier of the competition after more than a decade, the Tuskers are considered significant underdogs for the game at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground against a Hong Kong side who are unbeaten in the championship since 2018.

But after hammering Malaysia 59-19 in a promotion play-off, and running South Korea close in Colombo last weekend, Ratwatte said his side were ready to put “everybody on notice that Sri Lanka is back, and we are a force to be reckoned with”.

“Whether it’s this year, next year, the year after that,” the fly half added. “We have come back to the ARC after several years, and for us, we are coming here to make some noise, and we want to put everyone on notice on that.”

The last time the two sides met in Hong Kong was in 2006, when the home side won 45-14 in a 2007 World Cup qualifier, while an Asian Five Nations clash in 2014 in Sri Lanka, which the visitors won 41-10, helped send the Tuskers down into Division One.

It has been a long road back since then, and while Ratwatte acknowledged there was still something to “sort out in terms of our rugby union side”, he said the country was moving in the right direction.

With the arrival of summer break in Delta County, children will be out and about more often. Bicycles, the beach and summer fun will be taking the place of the classroom. That’s why drivers need to remain vigilant as children spend more time outdoors.

Statistics show that the risk of traffic incidents involving children increases during the summer months. Pedestrian injuries peak for kids aged 5 to 14, who are more frequently found in the vicinity of roads and streets.

Here are some safety tips for drivers:

Stay Alert: Watch for children on bicycles, scooters, and playing in front of their homes.

Obey Speed Limits: Drive at or below the posted speed limits, especially in residential areas where children might be present.

Avoid Distractions: Put down your phone and minimize other distractions while driving to stay fully focused on the road.

Yield to Pedestrians: Always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks and be prepared to stop when necessary.

Role Model Safe Behavior: Parents are encouraged to teach their children about roadway safety, including how to cross streets safely.

Using a little caution will make summer vacation a happier and safer time for everyone.

Hardrock 100 will start on July 11 in Silverton

Durango’s Jason Schlarb runs in the 2024 Hardrock 100. He finished third after having stomach problems. (Herald file)

One of the region’s iconic athletic traditions is hitting a major milestone this year. Hardrock 100 is celebrating its 30th running anniversary and towns along the run’s route, Ouray, Telluride and Silverton, are invited to join in the celebration.

Since its founding in 1992, Hardrock 100 has grown from a local race to a major annual event, drawing runners from across the world. Traversing 102.5 miles through the scenic San Juan Mountains, historic downtowns and vibrant local communities, the event has become more than just a race; it’s a regional tradition.

“Thirty years is a huge milestone,” says Hardrock 100 Run Director Dale Garland. “What started as a small, kind of crazy race with a few dozen participants has turned into an iconic ultra running event known around the world. We didn’t see that coming when we started this thing.”

In addition to the run taking place July 11-13, the 30th anniversary celebration will feature expanded activities including:

A full list of events throughout the week leading up to the run can be found here.

Local businesses and community groups in Silverton, Telluride and Ouray are encouraged to participate in the Hall of Fame induction ceremony on July 9 by decorating storefronts, setting up cheer stations, and offering runner, crew, and spectator-friendly specials throughout race weekend.

“It’s an incredible feeling to know that the energy from this one event ripples through so many lives and towns,” says Garland. “We’re proud to be part of something that brings people together in such a positive way, year after year.”

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(Photo provided by Kathi Carr)
The local emergency squad showed kids at Safetytown what they do to transport individuals to the hospital during emergencies. The squad visited kids at Phillips Elementary on Tuesday.

Hosted by the Marietta Rotary Club, Marietta is holding its 48th Safetytown at the Phillips Elementary School from June 16-26.

The kick-off for the event was held Monday, June 16, and featured deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

The program seeks to teach kids around the age of 5 about traffic laws and street safety. Incoming kindergarteners also gain the experience of being in a classroom setting for the first time.

The program had morning and afternoon sessions for each group. The morning Safetytown is from 9 a.m. to noon and the afternoon runs from 1 to 4 p.m.

“The volunteers deserve more recognition because some of them stay for the entire day which can be tiring, especially next week with it being so hot,” said Washington Elementary second grade teacher Kathi Carr.

(Photo provided by Kathi Carr)
One of the student volunteers created traffic signs with sidewalk chalk for Safetytown on Friday.

Each day at Safetytown focuses on a different aspect of the community like the fire or police departments.

On Tuesday, June 17, the emergency squad visited the school to show the children a patrol and sheriff’s car. The guest speakers discussed with the kids how to properly cross the street.

With each day focusing on a different part of the community, Carr said that they’re also integrating new programs as times change.

“We’ve adapted to current safety needs and this year we’re incorporating internet safety,” said Carr. “These kids are on YouTube and TikTok and they need to know how to use it safely.”

Despite the rain during the first week of Safetytown, the kids were able to enjoy engaging activities with the guest speakers and spent time both inside and outdoors.

(Photo provided by Kathi Carr)
A student volunteer was strapped into the stretcher brought in by the Marietta Fire Department emergency squad on Tuesday.

“We have a lot of people that come in and present and it wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our community providing those services to us,” said Carr.

Carr has been participating in Safetytown for around 20-30 years and she enjoys getting to spend quality time with the kids.

“We’ll have a different safety rule every day and we’ll be here for nine days,” she said. “Usually the afternoon class has significantly less kids than the groups in the morning.”

The kids are split into four groups; red, blue, orange, and green. Each group rotates through the scheduled activities during their time slot.

On Friday, the kids learned about water safety which featured Coastie the remote controlled boat. The students spent time outdoors at Safetytown and learned how to make proper left-hand turns while some students were indoors with Coastie and learned about water safety.

(Photo provided by Kathi Carr)
The kids at Safetytown learned about water safety and played with Coastie the remote controlled boat on Friday.

“Each day is just totally different, every day is a different concept,” said Carr.