The third annual Lamont Hamm Memorial Football Camp got off to a good start Monday evening, as 85 campers ages 5-15 showed up to participate in various football drills at Volunteer Park in Griffin. The campers ran over dummies, learned football footwork and caught passes. The Hamm camp, which is free, will also take place today, Thursday and Friday from 7-8:30 p.m. at the park.

The Hamm camp was started in memory of late youth coach Lamont “L.D.” Hamm, who died on the Volunteer Park fields while coaching during a youth football game on Oct. 24, 2009. Hamm camp coach and founder Laron Fluellyn said he is looking forward to teaching the youth and having an even better camp than the previous two years.

“We’re trying to do this camp in honor of Lamont even bigger and better than before. This year, we are having a punt, pass and catch challenge for the youth as well as a flag football game for the older kids,” Fluellyn said. “Also, on Friday we will be raffling three gas cards worth $200 — a $100 card and two $50 cards — and we will have a prize of two footballs signed by former Griffin Bear and current Carolina Panthers safety Sherrod Martin.”

Fluellyn said there will be an incentive for the campers to perform well this week. The campers who do well this year will receive an inaugural LD Award, a trophy which will be presented on Friday to the camper who stood out the most in each age group.

Coaches who helped with the camp this year included Spalding High head football coach Nick Davis, who was a classmate of Hamm’s at Griffin High; former Griffin High and NFL defensive player Johnathan Sullivan; and Thomaston Rec Saints (7-8) coach Dejeshon “Dee” Brice.

“I don’t mind helping the kids in my community learn the game of football,” Sullivan said. “They may be a bit tired today because of this heat, but they look good so far.”

Hamm’s mother Geraldine Jester and her husband Kenneth Jester were on hand Monday and enjoyed the camp.

“Every time they do this camp it feels even better to me. There’s a lot of love and a warm spirit around here,” said Geraldine.

“We’re forever grateful for what they’re doing for Lamont. They’re keeping the dream alive,” Kenneth said.