Former NFL linebacker Wali Rainer recently hosted the third edition of his I Am Power Police Athletic League football camp in Chesterfield County, Virginia, drawing dozens of youngsters, coaches and former players for a day of drills and dialogue.
A Camp With Roots
Rainer, who once took part in a similar Police Athletic League program as a teenager in Charlotte, North Carolina, says the camp is personal to him. Growing up, he saw firsthand how organized sports could bridge gaps between neighborhoods and law‑enforcement officers, a lesson he now wants to pass on.
The three‑day camp blends on‑field training with workshops that encourage campers to view police officers as mentors rather than adversaries. Participants receive mentorship from a roster of retired NFL athletes, creating a unique environment where athletic competition coexists with community building.
Community Impact
Jamie Sharper, a former Super Bowl champion who has followed Rainer’s work for years, praised the initiative during the camp’s opening ceremony. “Wali’s dedication to giving back is evident in every drill and every conversation he sparks with these kids,” Sharper said, highlighting the camp’s role in reshaping perceptions of police in the community.
Local partners, including the University of Virginia and Trinity Episcopal, have lent logistical support and venue space, underscoring the broader coalition of institutions that view youth outreach as a public‑service priority.
Looking Ahead
Rainer plans to expand the camp’s reach by partnering with additional schools and community centers across the Mid‑Atlantic, aiming to replicate the model that helped him transition from a youth participant to a professional athlete and now a mentor.