On March 8, 2008 the Peter M. Putnam Foundation partnered with the WIAA (Washington Intercollegiate Athletic Association) to bring 40 very special Putnam supported children the opportunity of a lifetime.  Future Champs is a program the WIAA sponcors to give children the opportunity to experience a taste of what their futures could be. 

(Picture of Future Champs and Slick Watts after their basketball clinic)

"Studies prove that students participating in interscholastic activities have better grades and higher attendance rates than students not involved in activities, and a national study indicates that interscholastic participants have a low drop-out rate.  Ninety-six percent of dropouts did not participate in any kind of interscholastic activity.  The Future Champions Program was initiated to emphasize interscholastic activities as an integral part of the total education process. "  - WIAA

This year two Putnam teams, the Rainier Ravens and Semper Fi from Spokane were able to participate in the program.  These forty very special children had the opportunity to watch the 3A men and women's final basketball games and participate in a clinic by retired Super Sonic Slick Watts. Watts taught the importance of working hard and getting good at the 'basics', defense and left handed lay-in's.  He encouraged each child to work hard from their dreams and that it was only through dedication, perseverance, good grades and love for the game that they would succeed. 

The children were also honored during a special half time presentation of  a Future Champs Award for their participation in the program.  They were escorted out to center court and received their engraved plaque while the whole crowd applauded.  This gave each child a small taste of what hard work in school and on the court could take them!  The children were also sent home with a very special prize package from the Seattle Sonics  including school supplies and Sonics tickets.  They will take these memories home of a lifetime. 

The Peter M. Putnam Foundation would like to thank the WIAA for the opportunity to participate in this program.  Specifically Chauntelle Johnson for all of her hard work in organizing the program and allowing Putnam kids to participate.

If you would like more information on the Future Champs program please visit:

http://www.wiaa.com/CommunityRelations/FutureChamps.asp