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N.C. (WECT) – From a friendly first-responder blood drive to dedications honoring local sports legends, a series of upcoming public events in Wilmington will celebrate the community
The scheduled gatherings aim to bring residents together while paying tribute to local figures who left a lasting impact on the area’s history and youth
The events kick off on Thursday, Aug. 20, with the annual “Battle of the Badges” blood drive. Wilmington police officers and firefighters will face off in a friendly competition to see who can recruit the most donors for the American Red Cross
The drive will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Red Cross Center
[RELATED: Wilmington Fire and Police face off in annual Battle of the Badges blood drive]
On Friday, Aug. 21, city officials will gather at 2 p.m. to officially rename the Greenfield Grind Skate Park in memory of Alec Chambers. Chambers was a beloved local professional skateboarder who passed away in 2020
[RELATED: Wilmington to honor skateboarder Alec Chambers with park dedication]
The tributes continue on Friday, Aug. 28, with a 10 a.m. ceremony at the MLK Center
The center’s two gymnasiums will be renamed to honor William E. “Big Train” Murphy III and Coach Ronald E. Davis. Both men dedicated their lives to coaching, mentoring, and guiding youth in the Wilmington community
[RELATED: Wilmington’s MLK Center gyms renamed to honor two local coaching legends]
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