Former Notre Dame standout Blake Wesley brought his love of the game back to Indiana this week, hosting a free two‑day basketball clinic for children in South Bend and Elkhart.
A Community‑Driven Initiative
The event was organized by the Wesley Legacy Foundation, the nonprofit run by Wesley and his parents, Leslie and Derrick Wesley. Over 200 youngsters, ages six to twelve, signed up within hours, prompting the foundation to open additional sessions.
Partnering with Herbalife, the clinic offered not only skill drills but also mentorship sessions and nutrition guidance, reinforcing the foundation’s mission to develop well‑rounded role models.
Wesley, who has been sidelined this season by a broken foot, described the return to his hometown as “special” and emphasized the importance of being visible mentors for the next generation.
Sold‑Out Success
Registration at the MLK Dream Center filled in under fifteen hours, a testament to the community’s appetite for accessible sports programming. Parents praised the blend of basketball training and life‑lesson workshops.
The foundation’s co‑founders, Leslie and Derrick Wesley, highlighted the event’s dual focus on athletic development and character building, noting that the partnership with Herbalife helped provide essential nutrition resources.
While Wesley remains a free agent and continues to recover from his injury, he said he is patient and hopeful about future professional opportunities, but for now his priority is giving back to the community that shaped him.
Looking Forward
Organizers say the clinic’s momentum will carry into future camps, with plans to expand the program to additional towns across the Midwest. The Wesley Legacy Foundation hopes to make the initiative an annual staple, fostering the next wave of athletes and leaders.