When Walter Ray decided to form the organization Education. Goals. Opportunity. and Sports (EGOS) in 1994, he had no idea that it would still be as formidable three decades later.
“Quite frankly, we were looking short term,” said Ray, an entertainment and personal business attorney based in Washington, D.C. “We saw where there were so many people with talent that some of them were not getting the exposure and opportunities. So, we decided to identify those individuals who were overlooked but need an opportunity.”
Continuing their mission over the course of 30 years, it has touched the lives of hundreds who have taken advantage of the opportunities.
The organization, initially based in Northwest D.C. and now in Takoma Park, Maryland, has served to provide exposure through travel to other cities’ basketball tryouts and helping with scholarship opportunities for young people in the DMV. Most of the funding for the programs comes from fundraisers at golf tournament and various donations.
Ray said that his inspiration came from late legends like the late Hall of Fame basketball player Sam Jones and former Mayor Marion Barry.
“They were people who cared about the underdog or the forgotten,” said Ray. “They were influenced by the concept of community. That was what inspired me to dedicate my efforts to continuing that legacy to those who sometimes need an opportunity or second chance.”
EGOS Success Stories
One of the recipients of the program is Dante Baldeh, who has a compelling story. As a 6-8 basketball player at Springbrook High School in Montgomery County, Maryland, Baldeh explained he was overlooked because of questions about his skill level.
“I was down and out after I finished high school and was not sure what I was going to do,” noted Baldeh. “I took a year off from basketball and worked at the mall. I was frustrated and ready to give up until Walt approached me. He and EGOS were instrumental in me getting offers from seven different schools.
For Baldeh, EGOS changed everything.
“EGOS literally saved my life. I was eventually able to attend college, get my undergraduate degree from IUP (Indiana University of Pennsylvania) and then my master’s degree in global business from American University.”
Baldeh has worked his way up the food chain and is currently Director of Operations for all the Walmart locations in the Maryland/Western Pennsylvania region.
Another beneficiary of EGOS’ efforts is Tony Dobbins. Like Baldeh, Dobbins was overlooked early in his basketball career, but because of some extra effort by Ray, he was given a chance.
“Tony was labeled as too skinny and not perhaps strong enough to compete,” recalled Joe “JD” Dobbins, Tony’s father and a longtime youth basketball coach. “But Walt and EGOS saw something in him and was able to persuade someone to take a look at him and give him a chance.”
It paid off as Dobbins went on to attend Maret High School in NW Washington before finishing his career at Virginia Tech. He played professionally for several years before landing a job with the Boston Celtics as an assistant coach, where he won an NBA title this past year.
Others who have benefitted from EGOS include: Tony Skinn, current head men’s basketball coach at George Mason University; Rob Monroe, a member of the New England Sports Hall of Fame following his career at Quinnipiac; and Muhammad Hill, co-founder of The Museum DC.
Ray is especially proud of the legacy of EGOS and how it has grown to include alums of the program.
“What is so rewarding is when you have 30 to 40 former members of EGOS who now reach out and ask how they can help make a difference the same way someone did for them,” he said.
Baldeh said he will always prioritize EGOS.
“Anytime I get a call from Walt needing something, I am going to take that call. I am not at all surprised that it is still around and making a difference.”
EGOS Today and Beyond
EGOS continues to provide opportunities and exposure.
Over the years, it has taken young people to the The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Hershey Park in Pennsylvania and numerous college campuses. An undergraduate of Morehouse and a law school graduate from Howard, Ray admits that he has a special relationship with HBCUs.
Ray explained how he approaches EGOS, and why such a program is needed 30 years later and beyond.
“I always refer to the terms underdog and 12th man when capturing the theme of EGOS,” Ray told the Informer. “There will always be a need for a program like EGOS. It is all about creating a legacy for those who are overlooked and just need an opportunity. I am not interested in helping someone who has 50 offers and EGOS makes it 51. I am looking for someone who has been overlooked and will get a chance to develop and at the same time get an opportunity to get a degree or position themselves in a meaningful career. We oftentimes look at what we need to do to stop the violence among our youth. I always say, the reward for stopping violence is not pretending that you tried; the reward is for knowing that you tried.”
For its most recent challenge, EGOS has taken on the task of getting recognition for Freddie Lewis. A former standout with the Indiana Pacers of the ABA, Lewis met Ray in the late 90’s in D.C. and became a huge supporter of the organization.
In return for his support, Ray recently took a group of young people to Indiana to meet Hall of Famers Oscar Robertson and Larry Bird. They are all collaborating in an effort to have Lewis’s jersey retired.
“Freddie was a great player but somehow did not get the recognition he deserved,” explained Ray. “He was such a big supporter of EGOS during his time in D.C. that we decided to do what we can to make sure that he gets his proper recognition… Again, we are in the business of helping the underdogs. That is what EGOS was founded on and we are trying to continue that legacy 30 years later.”
Walter Ray has always been an advocate for the young student athletes in the DMV during decades and it’s great to see him still going 1990’s 2000’s 2010’s now 2020’s next 2030’s
What a inspirational story. Im proud of the work you are doing.
Walter Ray has performed miracles helping youth in the DMV get in into boarding schools and colleges.. He’s helped to shape the lives of many young men some destined for trouble and helped them to not only turn their lives around but to become leaders in their respective fields. I commend Walter for caring enough about our youth and helping them to not only to go to college but to become leaders and giving back to their own communities. Thank you Walter Ray the DMV needs more people like you!!
Walter Ray is the “Real Deal!” Grew up with this young man, and when others were talking about helping our at-risk youth Walter Ray was putting his money were his mouth was and rubber to the road. I’ve always tried to help, but you can’t keep up with Walt, however contagious his dynamism is, he’s a force! Happy to call him Friend proud to call him Brother, I know no one else that has put in the time, effort, and struggled “For” these kids like Walter Ray III… I could write another whole article!
Walter Ray is the best mentors anyone seeking knowledge and direction. The sense of family and connections to the real opportunities that seems impossible to be apart of gives you the greatest feeling of belonging and higher responsibility. Tremendously blessed to have Walter as well as see others receive the same blessings by being apart of EGOS.
Congratulations on the continued success of EGOS Attorney Ray. You and your team are making a significant difference in the lives of many. Thank you.
This program has really saved and improved lives for kids in the DMV. Walter Ray and his team have done the real work in youth development. So excited to celebrate this huge milestone! Keep saving and improving lives EGO’s!
Walt is so great at networking and has so many connections to find places to get the local youth into good situations to continue in school and sports . While coaching at a local JUCO I had several of EGOS’s kids who went on to D-1 schools and played professionally. There have been a few that are now coaches at the high school and college level ,also they have become mentors to young adults following in the footsteps of my great friend Walter Ray.
There aren’t enough words to express the impact Walter has made on the youth in the DMV over the past 30 years. He has remained Steadfast in support of the overlooked and the so called “underdog “. He is impervious to the actions of the naysayers, an impactful gift that translates to the youngins that he pours his heart into. We look forward to the next 30 years of EGOS. Let’s go, let’s get it!
Walter Ray has been more than just a mentor and friend; he’s a true legend in the DMV area. His wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support have impacted countless lives, including mine. Walter’s dedication to his community and the people around him is unparalleled, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. I’m grateful to have had the privilege of learning from such an extraordinary individual. Long live EGOS!!
Walter Ray a true believer in helping those who don’t get recognized, recognized! I was one of those kids that Walt helped to recieve opportunities on the court and off the court. I’m not amazed that he is still doing God’s work. I am now involved with E.G.O.S and helping Walt reach out and get these youth more opportunities than just what the city has to offer. All I can say is believe in E.G.O.S to continue to work with the youth.
Having known Walter for 40 plus years this comes as no surprise. His involvement with sports and mentoring young people has been a part of him since I met as a young kid. Coaching baseball and basketball youth teams. Congratulations to his organization and the underdogs that they have helped. Keep up the great work!!!
This legacy extends far beyond 30 years. Walter Ray & (EGOS) has provided countless opportunities and has saved the lives of so many young people in the DMV area. He’s been the invisible hand in the DMV since the mid to late 1980’s. There’s a lot of imposters in the area that pretend to care and do what Walter Ray does (daily).
Cousin Irvy, Recognizing the qualified person who has been overlooked, aka (the underdog) should be a standard across industries but it isn’t. It takes an especially ordained person to do this work. That’s you- the problem solver and visionary. I’m proud to call you family. I pray that God continues to strengthen your walk clearing the pathway for all the people who benefit from your influence in their lives. Love always ~D
Incredible story! It’s amazing how many people he was able to help and inspire through conversation appreciation and activism! Just meeting him on the street you wouldn’t guess the guy has been doing it for decades a true treasure.
But then I remember how he was a listening ear when I needed it , words of encouragement to stand for something and really believe in yourself. At this point he is the lebrun of philanthropic work in terms of longevity our generations Stephen curry when it comes to shootin the ball so you
can atleast see your shot go in then decide. Just when you feel no one is going to quite ever be there to advocate for you he somehow shows up like an Angel. I hope this man continues his body of work. A documentary seeems fitting !
Wow a true story to be revealed backwards.
I am writing to extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone at E.G.O.S Inc. for the incredible impact they have made in the lives of countless student athletes like myself. Their unwavering commitment to guiding young individuals toward success—both on and off the field—is truly commendable.
Over the years, E.G.O.S Inc. has not only provided essential resources and support to student athletes, but they have also fostered an environment where they can thrive, develop resilience, and cultivate their passions. Walt’s dedication to education, mentorship, and personal growth is evident in the success stories of those who have walked through your doors. It is inspiring to see how you empower these young athletes to pursue their dreams while instilling essential life skills that will serve them well beyond their sports careers.
The positive changes they have facilitated in the lives of these students cannot be overstated. By steering them in the right direction, they have helped shape future leaders, role models, and contributors to society. This organization’s mission exemplifies the power of community and the profound difference that guidance and support can make.
As they continue their vital work, I encourage everyone to celebrate our achievements and the lives we’ve transformed. Thank you for your passion, dedication, and the invaluable contributions they make to the world of student athletics. I look forward to seeing the continued success of E.G.O.S Inc. and the many more lives they will positively impact in the years to come.
Walt has been one of the best and most selfless people in the community. I came up through EGOS and Walt’s mentorship and that led me to a d1 basketball scholarship and now successfully thriving and in a position to give back to the youth what Walt gave me and many others!!
Congratulations to EGOS on celebrating 30 years of providing opportunities for overlooked youth! Walter Ray’s vision and dedication have made a significant impact on the lives of many young people. It’s inspiring to see the continued success and growth of this organization. Here’s to many more years of making a difference in the community! I am so proud of you.
Keep up the Fantastic work U R doing Cuz !!! And U know if I can be any help at All, U hv my direct Pipe Line, use it…..
Walt is a walking “living legend!” He has been selfless in helping sooo many young men. I work @ Montgomery College & he has brought young guys over to MC to start or has asked me about internships for them. I have also seen him reserve gyms to give kids work outs for various Coaches!! Who is selfless & does that for others?? Walter Ray, the MAN!!