Two-Time Gold Medalist Aly Raisman And Her Parents Join Underage Drinking Initiative

Ask, Listen, Learn encourages kids to "say 'YES' to a healthy lifestyle and 'NO' to underage drinking"

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Three-time Olympic medalist and U.S. Women's Gymnastics Team Captain Aly Raisman and her parents, Lynn and Rick Raisman, joined The Century Council and its Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don't Mix program to encourage parents and kids to have active discussions about the dangers of underage drinking. In addition to promoting an ongoing dialog between parents and kids, the program aims to embolden youth to "say YES to a healthy lifestyle and NO to underage drinking."

The Century Council recognizes the importance of these discussions and understands they are sometimes difficult for parents to have. We've all seen it: the roll of the eyes, a heavy sigh and a "not again Mom!" Like many conversations between young teens and their parents, it is difficult to tell if kids are listening to what their parents have to say. Earlier this year, The Century Council released survey results that showed kids really are listening to their parents when they discuss underage drinking.  The partnership with Aly, Lynn and Rick emphasizes the entire family should be involved in these discussions.  

Throughout the next year, as an Ask, Listen, Learn superstar Aly will support this national campaign to say no to underage drinking through in-school presentations, national media opportunities, print materials in Scholastic Magazine, social media and online content at www.asklistenlearn.com. Aly will challenge kids on the interactive Ask, Listen, Learn educational game, providing an opportunity for middle school kids to learn about the negative consequences of underage drinking and benefits of making healthy decisions while they exercise. 

Aly Raisman joins other superstars to promote Ask, Listen, Learn.

• Apolo Anton Ohno, speed skater, Dancing with the Stars Champion, and the most decorated US winter Olympian
• Bryan Clay, two-time decathlon medalist
• Tyson Gay, three-time world champion and Olympic silver medalist
• Steve Lopez, three-time medalist in Taekwondo
• Rebecca Soni, world champion swimmer and Olympic gold and silver medalist
• Mallory Weggemann, Paralympic swimming gold  and bronze medalist
• Remmi Smith, star of "Cook Time with Remmi," and "The Culinary Kid"

"I'm really excited to be partnering with The Century Council and their Ask, Listen, Learn program. It's awesome to know I'll be playing a part in encouraging kids to make smart decisions that will allow them to reach their goals, similar to the way I did," said Raisman.

Lynn and Rick will stress the importance of parental influence regarding underage drinking. Along with Aly, they will be featured in a public service announcement that will air on January 19^th between 4:00-6:00PM EST on NBC during the Progressive Skating and Gymnastics Spectacular.

"Lynn and I both recognize Aly holds a lot of influence among young athletes and non-athletes alike, but also hitting closer to home is the influence she has over her younger brother and sisters," said Rick Raisman. "She sets an example for kids that need someone to look up to. We are excited to be a part of the Ask, Listen, Learn program as it really focuses in on the fact that parents are the leading influence on their kid's decisions not to drink alcohol underage drinking.  As a mom of four kids, I can appreciate the struggles and worries that occupy a parent's mind when it comes to the difficult topic of underage drinking.  Thru the Ask, Listen, Learn program, I hope to do my part to be an ambassador to parents on how to guide kids without creating barriers in the process," added Lynn Raisman. 

Ralph Blackman, President and CEO of The Century Council added, "Parents wield the most influence over a teen's decision to drink, or not to drink, alcohol. We're looking forward to working with Aly and her parents this year to really reinforce the message that the entire family needs to talk about the risks of underage drinking."

About Ask, Listen, Learn
Ask, Listen, Learn is the most widely distributed alcohol education program of its kind. Ask, Listen, Learn's initiatives include Asklistenlearn.com, a website that encourages kids to "say 'YES' to a healthy lifestyle and 'NO' to underage drinking" by offering kids interactive and educational games and videos.  On the site kids can read about positive role models and take a pledge to make healthy choices.  Parents and educators are also encouraged to visit the site to find tips on how to facilitate these conversations with kids. 

About The Century Council
The Century Council, is a national not-for-profit leader in the fight to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking and is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam, Inc.; Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; and Pernod Ricard USA. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, The Century Council promotes responsible decision making regarding beverage alcohol and develops and implements innovative programs and public awareness campaigns which ignite action through strategic partnerships. Established in 1991, The Century Council's initiatives are highlighted on its website at www.centurycouncil.org and www.asklistenlearn.org.

Contact: Jessica Lepak, The Century Council
[email protected] or (202) 637-0077

SOURCE The Century Council