NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Texas Rangers' All-Star pitcher and philanthropist C.J. Wilson is partnering with The Partnership at Drugfree.org to promote the importance of a drug-free lifestyle and practice of healthy competition with a digital and grassroots effort, Play Healthy. This initiative educates families on the risks of steroids and performance-enhancing substances (PES).

From an early age, Wilson made a choice to not use drugs or alcohol and understood how substance abuse could negatively affect his talent and drive to succeed. Setting the standard as a professional athlete and role model for our country's youth, Wilson founded his own nonprofit organization, C.J. Wilson's Children's Charities, to empower and help inspire kids to give back to their communities, making him the ideal advocate for The Partnership at Drugfree.org.

"Being a positive role model in the community is a big inspiration for my success on the field," explains Wilson. "Together with The Partnership at Drugfree.org, I can help kids feel the empowerment and positive support that I carry every day towards my goals in baseball and in life."

Through our collaboration, Wilson will emphasize the value of fair, healthy sport and raise awareness on the dangers of steroid and PES use through exclusive online videos for the Play Healthy Community Education Presentation. Delivered at a grassroots-level nationwide, the presentation empowers parents with tips and tools to help their children avoid PES abuse and can be co-delivered by coaches, athletic directors, involved parents, law enforcement and prevention and treatment professionals.

Wilson will also play an integral role on social media to promote the second annual Commissioner's Play Healthy Awards, an effort by The Partnership at Drugfree.org, in conjunction with Major League Baseball Charities, to recognize youth coaches and student athletes who embody the spirit of teamwork and fit, drug-free competition. One winning youth coach and one student athlete will receive prizes, including a trip for themselves and one special guest to New York City. Nominations may be submitted online at drugfree.org/playhealthy until Friday, September 16, 2011. Please visit drugfree.org/playhealthy for additional contest rules and regulations.

"We are thrilled to have C.J. join us to promote Play Healthy," said Jack Irving, Senior VP, Media Director at The Partnership at Drugfree.org. "As a leader in educating kids and parents about the importance of being a healthy, positive team player, we welcome the opportunity to team up with CJ, who is a real life example of a professional athlete who lives a healthy, drug-free lifestyle."

About The Partnership at Drugfree.org
The Partnership at Drugfree.org is a nonprofit organization that helps parents prevent, intervene in and find treatment for drug and alcohol use by their children.  Bringing together renowned scientists, parent experts and communications professionals, this public health nonprofit translates current research on teen behavior, parenting, addiction and treatment into easy-to-understand resources at drugfree.org. The organization also reaches families through its community education programs which focus on local drug and alcohol issues of concern for parents, youth and the Hispanic community. The Partnership at Drugfree.org depends on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and the public sector and is thankful to SAG/AFTRA and the advertising and media industries for their ongoing generosity.

SOURCE The Partnership at Drugfree.org

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http://www.drugfree.org