MIAMI – It was a homecoming that so many will remember for a long time.

Tutu Atwell, who starred at Liberty City Optimist. Miami Northwestern, University of Louisville and the world champion Los Angeles Rams returned home Saturday at Charles Hadley Park, where he grew up and got ready for his athletic career.

Welcoming youngsters for a sports camp as well as several south Florida high school football teams for an afternoon 7-on-7, it was a win/win all the way around.

As youngsters competed in all sports and ate some great foods that vendors prepared, a rather large crowd came out to support one of their own.

THE STARS WERE OUT

With many area dignitaries on hand along with several sponsors, it was a day of celebration for the Tutu Atwell Junior Foundation, and by the end of the day-long event – children, adults and fans of all ages left with a great feeling.

“Plenty of hard work went into this,” Atwell said. “I have always been the kind of person who wanted to give back to the community who made it possible to get where I am today.”

Atwell’s foundation included so many residents of Liberty City and throughout south Florida, who helped put on a tremendous show.

Among those on hand were Dwight Jackson. One of the biggest supporters of youth athletics and community philanthropy, Jackson, a longtime coach at Miami Central and 1976 Miami Beach High graduate always steps up for the community – and Saturday was certainly no exception.

Along with Jackson was Commissioner Keon Hardemon, who has been huge to the community and is one of the major supporters in the City of Miami.

NFL STARS CAME TO SUPPORT

When ever an NFL players hosts and event, athletes cannot be far behind to help support.

On Saturday, former Miami Northwestern stars Teddy Bridgewater (Miami Dolphins) and Lavonte David (Tampa Bay Bucs) were joined by other local legends Duane Starks (Miami Beach High, University of Miami, Baltimore Ravens), Sony Michel (Plantation American Heritage), Anthony Walker Jr. (Miami Monsignor Pace) were joined by former Dolphins Oronde Gadsden and Anthony Harris, and Atwell’s longtime friend Jakobi Meyers of the New England Patriots.

In addition, current NFL stars Allen Robinson (Los Angeles Rams) and Dolphins’ star Jaylen Waddle came out to support.

MIAMI CENTRAL COMES UP BIG

When the 7-on-7 rolled around, all the attention was on the Liberty City Optimist football field.

With first year head coach Jube Joseph leading the way, the Miami Central Rockets came away with the team title – and a $5,000 first place prize that will be awarded to the school to help in running a program that has won three consecutive state titles and eight overall.

Central beat an emerging Fort Lauderdale Stranahan team that is coached by Travis Harden.

In addition to Miami Central and Stranahan, other programs competing were Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, Hialeah American, Miami Booker T. Washington

Miami Carol City, Miami Dade Christian, Miami Jackson, Miami Killian, Miami Norland and Atwell’s alma mater Miami Northwestern.

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..