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October 13, 2008

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By News 25 Staff

Story Published: Jul 19, 2008 at 6:39 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 19, 2008 at 8:51 PM CDT

More than a decade after his tragic death, local kids are still having a ball remembering one Peoria boy. Today kicked off the ninth year for the Julius DeLoatche Youth Basketball Camp.

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Julius died of smoke inhalation in a house fire at the age of ten. Almost two-dozen kids attended the afternoon practice at the Peoria Dream Center.

Julius' father, James DeLoatche, is the founder and president of the camp. He says he can't think of a better way to honor his little boy.

"We are trying to instill the meaning of life and to enjoy their youth and happiness and to make the most of the opportunities that they have, and I'm sure that he's up in Heaven smiling today to see all of this going on in his name," James says.

The camp will meet every Saturday through mid-August, with an awards banquet at the end. Registration is free.