Sonny Weems Overcame A Serious Childhood Disability And Now He's Giving Back

The recent 2018 Weems Week was met with much success and a stellar turnout.
The events were hosted by professional athlete Sonny Weems, the annual week-long event’s goal is to inspire and motivate the next generation of thinkers and doers.
This was the 6th year that Weems hosted the event, which features a basketball camp, back to school supplies/backpack giveaway, and a community clean-up and he has impacted more than 2100 students.
People of all ages and from all walks of life helped to pick up trash as children prepared to return to school.


Sonny Weems’ childhood was unlike most children. Weems was born with cleft feet.
Doctors and family were certain that he would never be able to walk without assistance.
After enduring many painful years and wearing corrective shoes, the young Weems would eventually miraculously began walking without corrective shoes and playing sports.
The budding athlete became a state long jump and high jump champion in track and field at West Memphis High School.
However, Weems departed track and field and found his true love, the sport of basketball.
Weems graduated from West Memphis High School where he was named first team all-state as a senior.

“It’s not the gift that God gives someone that we should be in awe of, rather it is what a person does for his fellow man with the gift that is given” – Sonny Weems.

He helped his team win the Arkansas 5A Championship before going on to play at The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith where he became an All-American and was ranked No. 1 in the nation.
Weems led his team to two National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Eastern Conference Division title before signing with the prestigious University of Arkansas.
As a Razorback, he competed for coach Stan Heath in his final year of coaching. He helped to lead the SEC NCAA Division I powerhouse team to two consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
He finished his senior year as the State Farm College Slam Dunk Champion at the NCAA Final Four.
After college, he was selected as the 39th pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls.
His NBA career includes the Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptures, Phoenix Suns and the Philadelphia 76ers.


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Since 2012, Weems Week has impacted more than 2,100 students in his hometown of West Memphis, Arkansas.
His legacy continues to grow, and his work helps to champion the next generation of great leaders both on and off the court.
With plans for 2019 Weems Week underway and set to be finalized by early January, goals are also being set to serve students across the country.
As Weems continues to give back, he serves as a light on and off the court for many young people.
“This is my way to give back to the youth in my community. Growing up in the inner city, I was not afforded the same opportunity as many other children at the time and so I desire to build something positive that can change the lives of children in the future,” said Weems.