Contact: Shrita D. Sterlin, 202.225.5936 (TOWNS)
Sharon Jenkins, 202.225.4372 (RUSH)
Dorinda White, 202.225-7084 (WATSON)

Washington, DC - Rep. Edolphus “Ed” Towns, along with Reps. Bobby Rush and Diane Watson, will host a braintrust to explore the issues that hinder the health, success and financial futures of young athletes.  This forum, entitled “Empowering Young Athletes”, will arm young athletes, their parents and loved ones with critical information and resources to help them prepare for successful athletic careers and long-term physical health.  Panelists and invited guests include former professional athletes, financial specialists as well as other health experts.

 Who:               Edolphus “Ed” Towns, Member of Congress (NY-10)
                        Bobby L. Rush, Member of Congress (IL-1)
                        Diane Watson, Member of Congress (CA-33)

                        April Ryan, Braintrust Moderator
                        White House Correspondent
                        American Urban Radio Networks

                        Benita Fitzgerald Mosley
                        President and CEO, Women in Cable Telecommunications
                        Director, Olympic Training Centers, 1997 – 2000
                        Gold Medalist, 100 meter Hurdles 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games      

                        Marques Ogden
                        Baltimore Ravens
                        Kayden Premier Enterprises

                        Robert Housman
                        Partner Book Hill Partners
                        Board of Directors, Taylor Hooton Foundation
                        Assistant Director, Strategic Planning Office of National Drug Control Policy                  

                        Stacy Tisdale
                        On-Air Financial Journalist
                        Author, The True Cost of Happiness

                        Costella Green, M.H.S., C.S.A.D.P.
                        Public Health Expert, Substance Abuse and Mental health Services Administration

                        Paul Blanco
                        MetLife, Barnum Financial Group
                        Youngest Inductee, MetLife Manager’s Hall of Fame
                        Winner, Top of the Tower Award                   

                        Lance Triggs
                        Executive Vice President, Operation Hope Inc.                      

                        Professor Trayce Rawls Martin M.S., A.T.C.
                        Director, Athletic Training Education Programs
                        Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus

                        Ted Klontz, Ph.D.
                        President, Klontz Coaching

What:              This braintrust (i.e. panel discussion) will be held during the 38th Annual Legislative Conference to address the dangers of performance enhancing drug use and the post-career, financial devastation that many athletes encounter.

When:              1:00 p.m. EST; Thursday, September 25th, 2008

Where:            Washington Convention Center, Room 143c
                       801 Mount Vernon Place, NW
                       Washington, D.C.

There will be great visuals of young athletes from various high schools, area colleges and universities in attendance.  Schools have been asked to wear their uniform jerseys and paraphernalia.

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