 |
The Leader and Advocate
Introduction | Passon & Philanthropy | Leader & Advocate
To date, Allen has challenged more than 2,500 youth to live healthier lives by speaking out on the importance of exercise, making smart choices, and the battle his own family has experienced with fighting obesity. After nearly four years Allen has taken his commitment to reversing the growing trend of youth obesity to another level by co-founding the Professional Athletes Council along with Jerry Stackhouse of the Dallas Mavericks. The launch of the Professional Athletes Council in New York proved to be the beginning of a ground breaking initiative, organized and led by professional athletes. Not only were Allen and Jerry able to bring professional athletes together for one cause but the country took notice, as evidenced by media coverage which reached more than 5.5 Million viewers in 150 markets. In addition, an impressive group has stepped up to partner with PAC including Action for Healthy Kids, Public Health Institute, Kids Fitness Challenge, California Department of Health and UCLA. These groups recognize the power of PAC and have pledged to assist in reversing the growing trend of youth obesity in America. In four short months 30 professional athletes from NBA, NFL, MLB, MLS and NASCAR have joined PAC.
In 2003, Allen was lead advocate for GA House Bill 1013 (The Recess Bill) with State Representative 54 Sally Harrell. The Recess Bill would have ensured Georgia elementary and middle school students receive at least one daily, supervised 15-minute break for physical activity. Although the Bill did not pass successfully it brought light to an issue that at the time received very little attention. “I remember parents laughing and asking why is there a need for a recess bill? They had no idea that their kids weren’t receiving recess during the day. Needless to say their laughter turned to anger when the children confirmed the need,” recalls Rossum.
Awards and Recognition
Allen has received numerous awards including the 2004 National Kids Day America Empowerment Award, 2005 Falcons Man of the Year, and the Fatherhood Award from NFI in 2005, past recipients included Tim McGraw, James Earl Jones and Jim Kelly.
|
 |
 |