News and Media

Monday, January 29th, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Gene Willis, Director of Marketing. ; 816.285.1423

Drug Free Sport Opens Annual Continuing Education Awards Competition
Awards to honor certified athletic trainers who are working toward the prevention of drug abuse.

KANSAS CITY, MO. (January 29, 2018) – Drug Free Sport®, the industry leader and innovator in anti-doping solutions, health education, and performance optimization for athletes and sport, is pleased to announce its annual continuing education awards competition. This year, Drug Free Sport will provide five $1,000 grants to certified athletic trainers who work in high school and collegiate communities and are on the front lines of drug/dietary supplement education and abuse.

Established in 2013, Drug Free Sport has provided more than $85,000 toward the assistance of certified athletic trainer continuing education opportunities. Last year, five recipients used the Continuing Education Awards to attend industry conferences while also earning valuable continuing educational units (CEUs) from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), via the Board of Certification (BOC). The judging committee for the awards is comprised of a diverse group of sport drug testing professionals and certified athletic trainers, including two former award recipients.

“Drug Free Sport continues to provide opportunities for athletic trainers through education and service,” said Joe Whitson, Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Training Services at Bradley University and a 2017 award recipient. “The Continuing Education Award program is another fine example of their commitment to athletic trainers, and the welfare of the student-athletes we serve. I am extremely appreciative of being selected as a recipient. I applaud Drug Free Sport for their commitment to athletic trainer continuing education.”

“Athletic trainers serve essential roles in ensuring health and safety for athletes,” said Chris Guinty, President and CEO of Drug Free Sport. “This is a driving mission for Drug Free Sport, as well. We take pride in recognizing these outstanding men and women for their work in wellness and anti-doping.”

Certified athletic trainers who are interested in applying are encouraged to submit applications through the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation website, with an application deadline of Saturday, March 31. Awards will be announced by the week of April 30, made payable to the employing educational institution or not-for-profit entity and the certified athletic trainer.

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ABOUT DRUG FREE SPORT:
Drug Free Sport is a world-wide leader in anti-doping solutions, health education, and performance optimization for athletes and sport. Our partners include MLB, the NFL, the NBA, the WNBA, the PGA Tour, the LPGA, NASCAR, the CrossFit Games, the NCAA, the Big Ten Conference, the NAIA, and more than 300 colleges, universities, and amateur athletics organizations around the world. World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-compliant testing for performance-enhancing substances and industry-innovating sport drug testing collection and education technologies are just a part of the comprehensive and confidential total solutions Drug Free Sport provides for drug prevention needs. Drug Free Sport boasts a highly educated, experienced and diverse staff that is committed to technical innovation and maintaining the most extensive network of highly-trained certified sport drug-testing collectors in the industry.  For more information, visit drugfreesport.com or find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.