NFL Player Tackles Child Health

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - June 18, 2009) - The National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is lining up with NFL linebacker and philanthropist Chris Draft, who will be announced as its newest National Ambassador. The 12-year NFL veteran will spike parent involvement by empowering families to live healthy lifestyles.

"Being physically active with their children helps parents be involved in their lives and shows kids how important it is to live healthy lifestyles," said Draft. "Studies have shown that children's physical well-being has a significant effect on their learning and long-term success. When children are well-rested, well-nourished, and physically fit they are more ready to learn. This is a great opportunity for me to show parents how to get moving with their kids so that more children succeed."

In his new role as a National PTA Ambassador, Draft will be the Honorary Chair of PTA's Healthy Lifestyles Month (November) -- a month when PTA's plan creative events that promote healthy habits among students and families. Draft will visit schools throughout the Healthy Lifestyles Month to meet with families, talk directly with kids and present awards to PTAs for the most creative healthy lifestyle events during November.

Draft, who battles asthma daily, founded The Chris Draft Family Foundation in 2006. The Foundation focuses on educating families on the importance of physical fitness, nutrition, health maintenance, character education and healthy living conditions.

"I firmly believe that kids need parents and role models to show them the way to a healthy lifestyles. I hope that my Foundation and my partnership with PTA will help call attention to the growing epidemic of unhealthy children," said Draft.

He will be formally introduced as a National PTA Ambassador during the organization's convention next week (June 27-29) in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. He will also participate in PTA's Family Expo on June 27 in Ft. Lauderdale by leading two 30-minute 'mini-football drills' for parents and kids.

Draft will join millions of parents and educators to advocate for children, as well as to urge parents and other family members and caregivers to be more involved. Draft also joins National PTA's other current Ambassadors in this campaign for kids. They include: Olympic Champion Dara Torres; Multi-platinum Billboard recording artist CeCe Peniston; and Hot Moms Club founder Jessica Denay. Draft also follows in the footsteps of dozens of community leaders, celebrities, legislators, and U.S. Presidents, all of whom have lent their voices and support to National PTA to make a difference in the lives of children.

About National PTA

PTA comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education health, and welfare of children and youth.

About Chris Draft

Chris Draft, a professional football player currently with the St. Louis Rams, is a 12-year veteran in the NFL. Draft founded The Chris Draft Family Foundation in 2006 with a goal of strengthening communities by empowering families to live healthy lifestyles. Draft, who battles asthma daily, works directly with National and Local chapters of the American Lung Association to raise asthma awareness. He also has joined forces with the community organizations represented at "Draft Family Fitness Day" the Foundation's signature event, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The American Lung Association, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, HOPSports, and a range of other philanthropic sports organizations to aid in the fight against health issues confronting youth and their families. He was named the Carolina Panthers' Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2006 and the St. Louis Rams Man of the Year in both 2007 and 2008. He has also been nominated twice for the prestigious Byron "Whizzer" White Award. Draft currently serves on the Board of Advisors for the NFL/Youth Education Town Boys & Girls Club in Atlanta, GA and as a national spokesman for the "Winning with Asthma" Program with the National Lt. Governors Association.

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