Below is a press relase the Arizona Interscholastic Association just sent to the media with regards to the Super Bowl Legacy Grant recognition of the AIA:

SUPER BOWL LEGACY GRANT EVENT TO RECOGNIZE THE AIA FOR HEADS UP FOOTBALL PROGRAM

PHOENIX, AZ (1/28/2015) – As it does every year, the NFL seeks to improve the surrounding communities of the Super Bowl host city with a financial donation. This year, the NFL Foundation provided a $1 million grant to fund charitable projects throughout Arizona to provide children with places to be active and healthy.  The Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee matched this amount creating $2 Million to give back to the local Arizona community programs

This year the Super Bowl Legacy Grant will also recognize the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s (AIA) support of USA Football’s Heads Up Football program. Heads Up Football was launched in April 2013 by USA Football with the NFL’s support. Now adopted by more than 5,500 youth leagues and nearly 1,000 high schools across the country, the initiative includes a focus on education and certification, equipment fitting, concussion recognition and awareness, heat and hydration and Heads Up Tackling. The AIA’s endorsement of Heads Up Football is part of Arizona’s comprehensive approach to student-athlete health. Since 2011, efforts by the AIA have created comprehensive concussion training for more than 250,000 students, developed return to play protocols, produced a Neck Strengthening video and in partnership with St.  Joseph’s, implemented an AIA managed grant program that allows schools to seek funds to cover the expense of having a Certified Athletic Trainer on the sideline of AIA post season games. 

Members of the media, school administrators and coaches are invited to attend a press conference event on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 3:30 PM at ASU Preparatory Academy School (735 E. Fillmore St.).  NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL, Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee Chairman DAVID ROUSSEAU, Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee President & CEO JAY PARRY, and Arizona Cardinals owner MICHAEL BIDWILL, AIA Executive Director Dr. Harold Slemmer and AIA Associate Executive Director will take part in the event.

“It is an honor to be recognized for this particular program.  Like Brainbook, the Heads Up program supports our overall initiative to empower students to better understand their personal health and wellbeing,” said Dr. Harold Slemmer. 

About the Arizona Interscholastic Association:
The AIA, is voluntary association of public and private Arizona high schools.  Since 1913, the organization has created and sustained interscholastic activities that encourage maximum student participation by providing AIA member schools with an even playing field to ensure fair and equitable competition.  The AIA believes that providing interscholastic activities for Arizona high school students creates personal development opportunities with a balanced focus on academics and extracurricular activities. 

Through its 272 member schools, the AIA reaches more than 100,000 participants in high school activity programs.  The organization hosts 5,000 championship contests and maintains officiating for more than 45,000 regular season games.   For more information, visit www.aiaonline.org and http://www.azpreps365.com

AIA Media Contact: Brian Bolitho; Director of Business Media; bbolitho@aiaonline.org; 602-385-3822