( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Weems Built Legendary Weems World Foundation & Athlete Abroad Summit
Sonny Weems is an international basketball champion, an award-winning filmmaker, and a philanthropist. Beyond his accolades on and off the court, he has influenced and sparked positive social change. Weems has built not only a legendary basketball career, but he is also the creator of the Weems World Foundation, which has invested significantly in his hometown of West Memphis, Arkansas, for over 10 years. Weems World Foundation has hosted youth programs, health initiatives, and back-to-school giveaways that fostered community and helped thousands of families. An event called Annual Weems Week brought people together through service, education, and opportunity.
In 2020, Weems co-founded SonnyDayzMedia to share untold stories of athletes abroad. Furthermore, he co-created the Athlete Abroad Summit, the first and only international summit dedicated to helping American professional athletes overseas build businesses, manage their brand, and enhance their mental health. Weems describes his international experiences that have shaped his perspective as an Athlete and how he gives back to the community, his inspiration to invest in his community through the Weems World Foundation, and the transformations he has witnessed. Furthermore, Weems discusses the motivations behind co-creating SonnyDayzMedia and filming “Ballin’ Abroad,” as well as the growth that transcends being an athlete through the Athlete Abroad Summit, and how athletes can leverage their platform to make a greater impact.
How have your diverse international experiences shaped your perspective as a professional
Athlete and leader, how do you give to the community?
I have lived all over the world for almost 20 years as a professional basketball player, and it has given me an understanding of humanity in a way I wouldn’t have gained just by reading about it or watching it on TV. Most people are good people; they just want to make a living and take care of their families. I have had many good experiences with people from all cultures. When I give back to the community, my goal is to spark hope and inspire others to do the same. Whether it’s through mentorship, outreach, or inspiring kids to dream bigger, I want people—especially the younger generation, to believe they can create a life beyond what they see in front of them. Encouraging them to think differently, try something new, and embrace new possibilities is one of the most meaningful ways I can give.
What initially inspired you to invest so deeply in your community through Weems World
Foundation, and what are some of the most rewarding transformations you’ve witnessed through your foundation’s initiatives, like Weems Week?
Growing up in West Memphis, Arkansas, my family didn’t have much, but we had love. Then we found sports, and that changed everything. Sports gave me something to believe in, something to dream about. That’s why I’m so passionate about giving back through the Weems World Foundation. I want to provide that same spark of hope and opportunity to kids around the world. Through initiatives like Weems Week, we’ve been able to impact tens of thousands of young lives—from distributing backpacks and essential supplies in my hometown to creating programs that open doors for youth globally. Witnessing their growth, confidence, and belief in themselves—that’s the real reward.
What motivated you to co-create SonnyDayzMedia and film the documentary “Ballin’ Abroad,” which shares the unseen experiences of American athletes overseas?
As a global athlete, I’ve faced the same challenges that many American players encounter overseas—missing family, adjusting to new cultures, and often having to figure things out on my own. But these stories rarely get told. I realized there was a gap in the narrative—people see the highlights, but not the journey. That’s what motivated me to co-create SonnyDayzMedia and develop Ballin’ Abroad. I teamed up with my business manager to bring it to life, to shed light on the real, unfiltered experiences of athletes living and competing abroad.
Why is it so crucial for athletes to think beyond their playing days, and what message do you hope to instill in them through the Athlete Abroad Summit about leveraging their platform for long-term impact and personal fulfillment?
Athletes must think beyond their playing days because our influence doesn’t end when the final buzzer sounds. There are numerous opportunities to make an impact off the court, but too often we fail to realize the power we have to shape culture, drive change, and build lasting legacies. The Athletes Abroad Summit is more than an event—it’s a movement. It’s about educating and empowering athletes to leverage their platforms, explore new ventures, and create purpose beyond the game. The time is now, and I want to lead that conversation for the thousands of players living this life overseas.
On the basketball court, Weems has built a renowned global basketball career spanning the NBA, EuroLeague, and Chinese Basketball Association. He is a three-time champion and former Finals MVP who is supporting all kinds of athletes on their journeys. All of Weems’s efforts earned him a Key to the City and a namesake park. Lastly, he created an award-winning documentary, “Ballin’ Abroad,” which offers an authentic voice to American athletes navigating overseas, highlighting the challenges, resilience, and humanity behind the scenes. To donate or become a partner of Weems World Foundation, visit https://www.weemsworldfoundation.com/. For more information on SonnyDayzMedia, visit their Instagram. If you want more details on the Athletes Abroad Summit, visit https://www.athletesabroadsummit.com/.
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