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NFL Player Tackles Child Health
St. Louis Rams Linebacker Chris Draft Joins Team PTA
| Source: National PTA
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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