Memphis fitness trainers unite for back-to-school basketball drive

Two of Memphis’ top Black fitness trainers turned up the heat on the basketball court last weekend for a cause, combining competition, community and back-to-school support.

Ricky Dortch, owner of Ambishun Fitness, and Mike Campbell, owner of Compleo Fitness, hosted a high-energy charity basketball game and school supply drive to benefit local students as they head back to school.

Held at Gaston Community Center in South Memphis, the event brought together athletes, families, fitness enthusiasts and entrepreneurs united by the goal of giving back to community youth.

“I originally started this event in 2019,” said Dortch. “We did that one at Davis Community Center, same setup. It was for the kids. It wasn’t a back-to-school drive then, but it was something positive to get them together during the summer.”

He continued, “Back then it was me and Mike Campbell, too. I was inspired to do the initial one to uplift the community because the city was going through a lot with teacher shortages and the crime rate out of control. I just wanted to do something uplifting.”

While last weekend’s event had heart, the game itself had heat, especially from Team Compleo Fit, who came out strong and never let up. With Nick King, who plays basketball overseas, on their roster and sharp-shooting from warmups to the final buzzer, Compleo Fit ran the floor, maintaining a steady 20-point lead through much of the game.

“First things first, I wanna thank Ricky for always inviting me to be a part of everything he does and any event he throws,” said Campbell. “And (I) definitely wanted to do it for the kids as well. Yes, we had the Monstars. I told Ricky when he invited me, ‘You know I train a lot of professional athletes, so be ready and recruit a squad.’ We both agreed we could bring two outsiders we don’t train. Maybe next year he’ll get his squad together a little better.”

The final score: Compleo Fit, 96 – Ambishun Fitness, 81.

Despite the score, no one left feeling like they had lost. For players like Jenesis Anderson, who has trained at both gyms, the event was a win in every way.

“I think it was very nice, very creative,” said Anderson. “It’s not common in Memphis to see two people in the same field of business come together and put on an event of this magnitude. I’m just happy to see two successful Black men help each other out for a great cause in our community.”

“Being that I’ve worked out at both gyms, I was a little torn,” she admitted. “But Ricky asked me to play on Team Ambishun. After a little shyness, I got out there, ran around, and ended up scoring six points. I can’t wait to see where this goes next year.”

Tiffany Clark, a certified personal trainer, added to the energy of the day. She played in the game and hosted a vendor booth.

“I came in and set my booth up, but then I had to go play,” said Clark. “But I’m here now to let everyone know that I’m a certified personal trainer. I provide fitness training, fitness coaching, meal preps, guidance and overall motivational accountability for you while you’re on your fitness journey.”

With plenty of backpacks, notebooks and supplies collected — and community vendors getting the spotlight alongside the athletes — the basketball drive delivered on every front.

“Going forward,” Dortch said, “I’d love to make this a tournament-style event. Get more of the community involved. More gyms. Each gym brings a different crowd, a different community, and when we come together, the impact multiplies.”

In a city often challenged by division, the event was a reminder of what happens when purpose and partnership share the same court: Everybody wins.

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