Travon Walker Kicks Off Foundation

At the ceremony for the retirement of his Upson-Lee jersey number 44, Travon Walker introduced his new foundation to “empower youth to reach their full potential.” The Travon Walker Foundation is the culmination of years of work for Walker, who has gone from a linebacker at Upson-Lee to a number one overall draft pick and defensive end in the National Football League.

Walker spoke to the Upson Beacon following the retirement of his jersey.

“Giving back is something I’ve always wanted to do once I first got in the league. I always told myself even before I got in the league, I want to give back to my community for the simple fact that there’s really not too much business-wise here. I always felt like I would be a businessman growing up, so I always wanted to give back to my community and give back to the younger generation which is the future.”

Back in November, Walker, alongside his family, gave out turkey dinners to Upson County families. At Christmas, he gave away toys for children, and now his foundation is set to continue that drive and dedication to giving back.

The Travon Walker Foundation is targeted toward underserved youth across the globe. According to the foundation’s website, “Our vision is a world where every young person has access to the transformative power of mentorship, education, and exposure. We envision a community of athletes, mentors, and leaders who work together to break down barriers and create opportunities for underserved youth across the globe.”

In a press release, Financial Finesse stated, “Through job creation, business and financial literacy education, youth sports programs, and purpose-driven real estate and community development in Walker’s hometown of Thomaston and beyond, the foundation empowers young people to reach their full potential. ‘Our vision is global, but our work is local. I started the foundation to help create a world where every young person has access to the transformative power of mentorship, education, and exposure - three things I know can be life-changing because they changed mine,’ added Walker.”

While the foundation is global, Walker is starting out right here in Thomaston with a youth football camp slated for June 16 starting at 9:30 a.m. at Matthews Field.

The camp is free, and open to children ages six to 16, and will include lectures, fundamental skill stations, contests, and awards. The campers will be grouped according to age to ensure proper levels of competition and instruction.

As for the goals of the foundation, job creation in Thomaston, business and financial literacy, youth sports facilities and equipment improvements, and real estate community development initiatives are all at the top of the list. The foundation plans to complete this using the #BlessUp44 campaign utilizing donations from members of the community and the public at large to donate $4,400 44 times a year to organizations that align with the mission, vision, and values of the Travon Walker Foundation.

For more information on the Travon Walker Foundation, visit: thetwfoundation.org.