The Life of an Athlete Program

April 2008

 
Dear Michigan Educator:
 
The Michigan Departments of Education and Community Health along with other stakeholders are collaboratively reviewing an evidenced based environmental change initiative, The Life of an Athlete Program, which will allow us as a state to more effectively confront underage drinking and substance use.   
 
You have been identified as a critical stakeholder, and are invited to participate in the introductory meeting and presentation.   
 
The Life of an Athlete Program utilizes athletic participation as the infrastructure to direct prevention programming and education efforts to parents, coaches and the student athlete.   It is a research-based program which focuses on a team centered design to create an atmosphere of normative expectations, with
subsequent personal and collective responsibility with clear expectations and consistent codes of conduct.   
 
This model program was developed by the American Athletic Institute and its founder, John Underwood.   Mr. Underwood is a former NCAA All-American, international-level distance runner and World Masters Champion who has coached more than two dozen Olympic Athletes.     
 
We invite you to participate in his presentation.  
 
• Thursday, May 15, 2008 from, 1:30-3:30 P.M.
• Pattengill Middle School, 626 Marshall St., Lansing, MI  48912 (On the corner of Saginaw St., just north of the U.S. 127 Saginaw Street Exit.)
 
Contact Tine Laux, Office of Drug Control Policy at lauxt@michigan.gov , 517.335.3032, by May 9, 2008.   Please indicate your name, position, and contact information when responding.  Feel free to invite and register other associates who may be interested in this presentation.
 
Taking measures to create safe environments for the success of our young people is our greatest task and responsibility.  Toward that end we look forward to your participation on May 15.
 
Sincerely,
 
Michael P. Flanagan
Superintendent of Public Instruction, Michigan Department of Education

Janet Olszewski, Director, Michigan Department of Community Health