-Congressman Tom Davis, Chairman, Committee on Government Reform, 2005
Endorsements
“...it was a huge success. Every comment we have received thus far from our coaches and players has been extremely positive. Now the athletes are equipped to go out and spread the ATLAS and ATHENA message. We are thankful for you and your staff for impacting South Florida.”
Twan Russell, Miami Dolphins Director of Youth & Community Programs, 2007
“...both ATLAS and ATHENA demonstrate that sports teams can be effective vehicles to promote healthy lifestyles and deter drug abuse and other harmful behaviors.”
Dr. Nora Volkow, Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2005
“The ATLAS and ATHENA programs - gender-specific, student-led programs aimed specifically at discouraging steroid abuse - were shown to reduce not only steroid use but a variety of risky behaviors, including recreational drug use, teen sex and driving while drunk.”
Tom Davis, Ranking Member, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, November, 2007
“After the training, the kids were really motivated to change their behaviors. They kept asking me, 'When are we going to start?'”
Ian Enriquez, School Liaison, Wellness Director, Lincoln High School, San Francisco, CA
CANDID RESPONSES FROM STUDENT ATHLETES
When interviewed, several athletes agreed they would recommend the programs for other student athletes. T.J. Moe, a football player at Fort Zumwalt West High School in St. Louis, MO said, "People like listening to us rather than our coaches." Lydia Blanco, the cheerleading captain and softball player from Burton High School in San Francisco, CA said, "It's fun to have people interact and work together. Everyone loves the Athlete's Guide!"
Athletes Take Message to PRINCIPAL
Several young women from Soldan International Studies High School in St. Louis, MO participated in the ATHENA program. After learning about the importance of eating low fat foods, they decided to meet with their principal and cafeteria manager to see if she could increase the number of fruits and vegetables served. Their Athletic Director, Dr. Hamid Azimiaraghi, reported, "Several girls complained to the cafeteria manager and the principal that the food she was serving was not very nutritious. They sat down and had a meeting. The girls demanded a salad bar. The principal and cafeteria manager thought it was a good idea and she started serving a salad bar which we've never had before. The principal is very supportive of the program." When the girls realized one change was possible, they requested another. "The girls told the principal that they should not be selling candy as a fundraiser because they were learning that candy bars were not healthy for them in ATHENA. The principal decided to ban all candy sales for fundraisers for the year."
