UVALDE, Texas – **Editor’s Note (March 21, 2023): The fundraising concert that was promised did not happen on the scheduled date. KSAT has done a follow-up story that you can read by clicking here.
Youth mentoring organization Baller Academy promises to bring a a one-of-a-kind fundraising event to Uvalde that’ll be streamed globally.
Balling for Uvalde World Weekend is scheduled for Feb. 4 and Feb. 5.
The worldwide fundraiser will have charity concerts, an international celebrity and family soccer tournament, food, art, sports, and entertainment for the entire family.
Headliners aren’t locked in yet, but Nathan Kouamou, the founder of Baller Academy, has mentioned big-name celebrities.
“We’re talking to Bad Bunny. We’re talking to Drake. We’re talking to Justin Bieber’s family,” Kouamou said. “The tournament that we’re doing here at the rodeo arena is going to feature a team from Africa, Europe, North America, South America and Asia. Some of the biggest soccer players, entertainers, and athletes are going to be playing soccer here.”
Kouamou hopes to raise $15 million. Proceeds from the events will help build a recreational and wellness center in Uvalde dedicated to the 21 lives lost at Robb Elementary on May 24.
The facility will host programs that bring together families from different communities for fun and competitive events in safe and supervised environments.
“The complex is going to be named after these families. We’re going to have the Layla Salazar track, the Eva Mireles Conference Room, the Jacye Luevanos Playground,” Kouamou said.
He said he hopes to use the funds raised during the event to partner with local organizations to provide children with meaningful enrichment programs. Children will continue to learn teamwork, healthy habits, leadership, and sportsmanship skills. They will also receive mental health support from mentors.
**Editor’s Note (March 21, 2023): The fundraising concert that was promised did not happen on the scheduled date. KSAT has done a follow-up story that you can read by clicking here.
