THOMASVILLE- United Way of Thomas County will be hosting their Kickoff Event on Wednesday, August 30, at the Plaza, where a panel of Thomas County’s most accomplished athletes will be speaking.

These Thomasville legends include Super Bowl XXVI winner Danny Copeland, 1993 Heisman Trophy winner/former pro basketball player Charlie Ward, Jr., 1990 NCAA National Championship quarterback for Georgia Tech Shawn Jones and four year starter for UGA Mike Jones.

Copeland was born and raised in Meigs, Ga., as the youngest of three boys. He attended Thomas County Schools, where he excelled in athletics and academics. While attending Central High School, Copeland participated in track and basketball, but was particularly gifted in football, earning an All Region recognition.

Upon graduating, Copeland attended University of Eastern Kentucky, where he was All Conference for two years and an Academic All American. His hard work paid off when NFL scouts began to take notice. He was drafted into the professional football league, where he spent the next six years, eventually earning a Super Bowl ring with the Washington Redskins. He has since returned home to Meigs and began an after school program for youth.

Copeland is one of many athletes who have used their gifts to inspire the youth of tomorrow.

Listed among the most outstanding college athletes in modern history, Charlie Ward, Jr., a two- sport athlete, was a stellar quarterback in football and equally impressive point guard in basketball at Florida State University.

During his senior year, Ward, Jr., won over 30 awards, including the Heisman Trophy, and set 19 school and seven Atlantic Coast Conference records, subsequently leading the Seminoles to their first-ever National Championship under legendary coach Bobby Bowden.

Upon graduating from FSU, Ward, Jr. was drafted twice, with a first-round draft pick from the New York Knicks. He went on to play for the Knicks, helping the team consistently reach the playoffs for six years from 1996-2001. When he left the NBA, Ward, Jr. was not done with athletics. He went on to become a full time basketball coach at Florida State University High School, eventually leading the team to its first Class 3A Championship in Boys Basketball since 1963.

Not content with just coaching, Ward, Jr. and his wife, Tonja have produced youth development sports camps throughout the country and co-produced several sports events with Christian Athletes United for Spiritual Empowerment (CAUSE).

Coaching is something Ward, Jr. has in common with fellow speaker Jones.

Jones played high school football at Thomasville under Coach Mike Hodges. During his time as starting quarterback, Jones led the Bulldogs to a 29-8-1 record, including an 11-1 record as a senior.

Although a Bulldog in high school, Jones was recruited to be a Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket in college. His success as a quarterback continued in Atlanta, setting several Yellow Jacket and Atlantic Coast Conference records. He had an outstanding freshman season, earning him the title of ACC “Rookie of the Year.” The highlight of his career came in 1990, when he led the Yellow Jackets to the National

Championship.

He now spends his time on the sidelines of games, coaching the midget football league and working with youth football and basketball groups.

Not one to be outdone by his brother, Mike Jones also attended Thomasville High School and was a three-sport athlete. He was the Region Champ of the 4×100 relay in 1988 and 1989, along with the 1989 Region Champ in the 100 and 200 meter events. However, Mike really shined in football, just like his brother.

He went on to compete for the University of Georgia, where he was a four year starter, making the all SEC team in 1989. After graduation, Mike was hired by the New York Jets as one of their strength and conditioning coaches. However, his real passion was ministry.

Mike went on to become an ordained minister and is the current youth pastor at World Changers Church in Duluth, Ga.

These are only small snippets of what attendees will hear about when discussing the life of these legendary athletes on August 30.

United Way Thomas County President Gene McNease said in the past the United Way Kickoff has featured individual celebrity speakers, but all of these men are celebrities from Thomasville.

“I wanted to use our local talent and relate what makes Thomasville unique in its athleticism,” McNease concluded “We are so lucky to have these men return and give back to their communities for this event.”

For table sponsorships and the opportunity to interact with these athletes, contact Rebecca Cannady at (229) 228- 0560.