The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation 2007 Annual Report

ATLANTA FALCONS YOUTH FOUNDATION

“While childhood obesity is a national problem, studies show that it’s even greater here. In Georgia, at least half of fifth- and seventh-grade kids fail to meet basic standards of fitness for muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance.

“Some kids would love to be outside, but live in an unsafe environment; they’re required to stay indoors. In many neighborhoods low-income families have fewer places to buy healthy food. In these same neighborhoods there are fewer public play spaces accessible during non-school hours. So often, the problem isn’t a matter of making bad choices, but of having no choices.

“This is why the Atlanta Falcon Youth Foundation decided to focus its resources to help make a difference in the lives of Georgia kids. Our most intensive work is conducted in four neighborhoods in Atlanta and one in Gainesville, which we call Atlanta Falcon Fitness Zones, where kids get to spend more time in physical activity.”

Zoned For Fun

“We partner non-profit organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA, YWCA, the Community Foundation, GoGirlGo!, and others who work with kids in after-school programs. We provide kids with a variety of activities. We focus on depth and breadth, and we’re here for the long haul.

“The folks who lead the activities are some of the least recognized people in the business of improving youth fitness. They have an enormous influence with the kids due to the time they spend with them, and they have a tremendous burden, as well as tremendous opportunities, to be the caring adults in the kids’ lives.

“These non-profit professionals and volunteers need to be nurtured and encouraged and rewarded. The Foundation is able to add excitement to their programs by involving the Atlanta Falcon football players and cheerleaders, both on the ground in the community and in special events that teach fitness and health.”

Far-reaching Support

“We really try to bring resources small and large to the kids. In addition to the Fitness Zones, our investments help local church groups, grass-roots neighborhood associations, parents groups, and even local business owners who want to reach out and help.

“A special point of emphasis is helping increase the quantity and quality of physical education in schools. The Metro Atlanta YMCA has developed a curriculum called Youth Fit For Life, which focuses on motion and activity and gets more kids involved simultaneously for longer periods of time. With our grant support, the YMCA is helping schools adopt this program.

“We’ve also invested in an innovation called HOPSports, which uses digital video and music to bring schools the highest quality fitness training in a variety of activities. These activities are taught by leading instructors in include everything from kickboxing and hip-hop dance to Pilates, golf, tennis, and swimming.

“We’re also supporting activities where kids and parents can be active together. For kids and families to make smart choices, many options of the right things need to be available to them. Everything we’ve done shows us that kids want to be active. There’s no shortage of interest among kids.

“The exciting part for us is putting Arthur Blank’s vision into action. He saw a way to leverage the assets of a professional foundation with the assets of a professional sports franchise in a way that nobody else has tried to do. It’s really the notion that 1+1 = 3, and it’s helping a lot of kids.”