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Athletes act as anti-drug role models
Archive
Athletes lent BSU’s good name to Red Ribbon Week, which kicked off on Friday, Oct. 20, as part of a month-long campaign urging people to abstain from drugs and alcohol, started 10 years ago by community leaders.
The athletes’ participation was part of a NCAA-mandated community service initiative and an effort to curb drug use and underage drinking
Hundreds of elementary and junior high school students gathered on the Idaho Capitol steps to make their pledge to not do drugs or drink underage.
Gov. Dirk Kempthorne had signed a proclamation for Red Ribbon Month and asked if some BSU athletes could attend wearing their uniforms. The athletes were not there to speak but rather to be seen.
“By attending we show the young women and men that we care about them being safe and staying away from drugs and alcohol,” said Fred Goode, senior academic adviser for athletics.
Activities included a performance by RHYTHM, a group of students from all different schools who used construction equipment to beat a rhythm and led everyone in a chorus yelling “Say no to drugs!” A sixth grade class sang a song about being drug-free, and students gave speeches on their attitudes toward drinking and drugs.
One elementary school student explained how her father’s absence from her life due to his drinking has influenced her choice to remain drug-free.
“It was a really touching speech. She really brought home the negative affects that come with drinking and drug use,” said Tara Milligan, a member of the BSU soccer team.
The athletes also went to elementary schools in Boise to talk to the students. The main points were to stay away from drugs and alcohol, information about the effects drugs and alcohol can have on their academic endeavors, and to stay in school and listen to their teachers.
“I think athletes make good role models for the children because the kids can usually relate to athletes,” said Jemima Hayward, a member of the BSU tennis team.
“They look up to us and this makes them listen more to what we have to say. If we show the kids that we are responsible with our choices in life maybe they will follow our lead.”
“BSU athletes are role models for the children because they have a year-round presence as the athletic seasons change,” Goode said. “We can show them that if they take care of their education, work hard in their sport, and stay away from alcohol and drugs then they, too, can be successful.”
Red Ribbon Week ended Saturday at Boise Towne Square. Athletes were there from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. handing out D.A.R.E badges, red ribbons and M.A.D.D. stickers.
When Goode was asked to be involved he decided to include Boise State’s student athletes in the effort.
The athletes are required to do community service as part of the C.H.A.M.P.S. program: Challenging Athletes’ Minds for Personal Success. C.H.A.M.P.S was created by the NCAA to support the student development initiatives of its member institutions and to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience within the university setting.
Goode said he expects each individual student-athlete to do no less than 10-15 hours of community service per semester.
“It doesn’t only help the kids; it also promotes growth in the student-athletes and gives them confidence that they can do more than sports,” he said. “It helps people be more involved in the community and the university.”