The Atlanta Falcons held their inaugural Thanksgiving luncheon on Tuesday. Erik Coleman, Ovie Mughelli, Marty Booker, Chevis Jackson, Tye Hill and other Falcons players were joined by two Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders to celebrate Thanksgiving with the students at South Hall Middle School. The luncheon began with a Thanksgiving arts and crafts session where everyone made cards and wrote, “What they are thankful for in 2009.” Everyone took advantage of this opportunity to put things into perspective and realize how much there is to be thankful for; things that we often take for granted on a daily basis. Safety Erik Coleman said, “I am very fortunate to be playing in the NFL and everyone doesn’t have this opportunity. It’s truly a blessing.”
After the arts and crafts session concluded, Thanksgiving lunch was provided by Turnstile Deli. This was a typical Thanksgiving meal which included turkey, ham, sweet potato soufflé, cornbread dressing and much more. The last part of the luncheon consisted of several players, cheerleaders and students presenting their cards with the class. Principal Paula Stubbs deemed this “a once in a lifetime opportunity” for many of the students that participated. There were (25) students that took part in the luncheon. These students were selected by their recent hard work in school, brought up grades and/or perfect attendance.
kyla Appearance Chevis Jackson, Christopher Owens, Erik Coleman, Garrett Reynolds, Jose Valdez, Marty Booker, Ovie Mughelli, Tye Hill
Last week, the Atlanta Falcons Rookie Club sponsored by United Healthcare of Georgia, participated in a Falcons Gatorade Junior Training Camp with special education students at South Forsyth High School. The camp consisted of five stations, each teaching basic skills of the game. The players were very involved with the students and helped guide them through the drills at each station. After the camp concluded, the players and students received lunch compliments of Chick-fil-A. The rookies made quite an impression on the staff as well. The administration staff at South Forsyth High School was very appreciative of the visit. They commended the players on their accessibility and genuine attitude. The players were very engaging with the students and showed support and offered assistance when needed.
kyla Appearance Antone Smith, Christopher Owens, Garrett Reynolds, John Parker Wilson, Jose Valdez, Lawrence Sidbury, Maurice Lucas, Rob Bruggeman, rookie club, Spencer Adkins, Vance Walker, William Moore
This week, Atlanta Falcons players Michael Jenkins, Chris Owens and Jose Valdez visited Gainesville Middle School to celebrate the completion of the First Down for Fitness Program. They were joined by Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders Joie and Kari. Representatives from the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association (SUDIA) were also in attendance to promote healthy eating and the Fuel Up to Play 60 campaign. The students were split up into four teams and engaged in a nutrition relay race.
Student deciding which foods are healthy
Christopher Owens and teammates head down court as they score a point
After the conclusion of the relay race the students, players and cheerleaders participated in a game of Football-Basketball Toss-Up. For more information visit atlantafalcons.com/firstdownforfitness.
kyla Appearance Christopher Owens, First Down For Fitness, Jose Valdez, Michael Jenkins
On, Tuesday, September 29 Atlanta Falcons players and cheerleaders were in attendance at Kanoheda Elementary School in Lawrenceville as part of the Falcons First Down for Fitness Program and in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Falcons players Michael Jenkins, Verron Haynes, Garrett Reynolds, Robert James, Troy Bergeron, Thomas Johnson and Jose Valdez participated in fitness activities with the fourth grade class. Activities such as tug of war, relay race and basketball shoot out were among the favorites. Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders were in attendance to teach dance routines in the gym to all students interested.
Falcons wide receiver Michael Jenkins who serves as spokesman for the Falcons First Down for Fitness program discussed eating healthy, staying fit and doing well in school. Falcons offensive guard Jose Valdez touched on the Hispanic Heritage Celebration portion of the visit and spoke to the students in Spanish.
For more information on First Down for Fitness, please click here.
kyla Appearance First Down For Fitness, Garrett Reynolds, Hispanic Heritage, Jose Valdez, Michael Jenkins, Robert James, Thomas Johnson, Troy Bergeron, Verron Haynes
The Atlanta Falcons Rookie Club, sponsored by United Healthcare of Georgia, spent Tuesday afternoon with kids at Eagle Ranch Children’s Home in Flowery Branch, GA. Eagle Ranch is a home for troubled youth that come from a variety of backgrounds and home situations. While there, the players went fishing with the kids and played basketball in the gym. The group of players and kids enjoyed the afternoon of fishing and hoops in spirited competition. The players also spent time talking with the group from Eagle Ranch about the everyday challenges that we all face. Everyone enjoyed a pizza party at the conclusion of the afternoon’s activities which was donated by Papa John’s Pizza. Christopher Owens said, “I wanted these kids to understand that we all have challenges we have to face in our life. I grew up out in California and it wasn’t always easy for me. I know these kids encounter challenges that they have to face everyday. I’m glad our entire rookie class got a chance to come out. You can definitely tell the kids really enjoyed having us there. It was great to come out and spend some time with them.”
For more information on the Atlanta Falcons Rookie Club, please click here.
kyla Appearance Christopher Owens, Eagle Ranch, Garrett Reynolds, John Parker Wilson, Jose Valdez, Lawrence Sidbury, Maurice Lucas, Rob Bruggeman, rookie club, Spencer Adkins, United Healthcare of Georgia, Vance Walker, William Moore
