The Stuttering Association for the Young Announces George Springer as Spokesperson

NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young announced today that George Springer, celebrated Houston Astros right-fielder, has become SAY's Spokesperson.  George Springer and SAY will raise stuttering awareness and education globally, and build compassion for individuals like himself who stutter.

More than 70 million people stutter, including 5% of all young children, and approximately 1 in every 100 adults.  Springer will inspire children who stutter, through speaking engagements and school outreach. George will also host a Celebrity Golf Classic, with proceeds underwriting camp scholarships for families-in-need.

"I'm thrilled to team up with The Stuttering Association for the Young, and wish that I had an organization like SAY when I was a kid," said Springer.  "Together, we can help young people who stutter find their own unique and powerful voices."

The Stuttering Association for the Young is a non-profit that offers comprehensive and innovative programs that address the physical, social and emotional impact of stuttering, including: Camp SAY, a summer camp for young people who stutter; SAY after-school & weekend programs; Speech Therapy, and support groups.  

"Young people who stutter often face fear, ridicule and bullying, and may eventually silence themselves to hide their stutter. They may also feel isolated and alone, without a network of peers and friends who stutter," noted Taro Alexander, SAY Founder & President.  "Together with George, we will help kids and teens understand that they are not alone and that stuttering shouldn't hold them back from anything they dream of doing."

Springer added, "I totally embrace my stutter – it makes me who I am.  Some people have blue eyes, some have blonde hair, and some people stutter.  I've never let it hold me back and with SAY, I want to help kids who stutter build the confidence they need to pursue their own dreams."

"George speaks openly and eloquently about stuttering, and has already become an inspiration to young people who stutter," said Noah Cornman, SAY Executive Director.  "Together, not only will we help make a difference in the lives of young people who stutter, we can actually save those lives."

About George Springer
George Springer is a celebrated Houston Astros rookie outfielder, recent Sports Illustrated cover athlete, and a person who stutters. Springer was selected by the Houston Astros out of the University of Connecticut in the first round of the 2011 MLB Draft. As the 11th overall selection, Springer became the highest selection in the MLB Draft in Connecticut baseball history. Springer played his first MLB game in April 2014. In 2013, Springer joined the 30-30 club, recording more than 30 home runs and stolen bases. Springer was also named MVP in the Texas League All-Star Game, the Texas League Player of the Year, a Baseball America Minor League All-Star, an MLB.com Organization All-Star, and was a finalist for USA Today's Minor League Player of the Year Award. Springer was raised in New Britain, CT. Learn more at houston.astros.mlb.com

About SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young
The Stuttering Association for the Young (formerly Our Time) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that believes every voice matters, and offers Camp SAY, a summer camp for young people who stutter, SAY after-school & weekend programs and Speech Therapy. Young people from all socioeconomic backgrounds have access to SAY programs, and in 2014 alone, more than $400,000 in financial aid is being awarded to families in need. www.SAY.org

 About Camp SAY
Camp SAY is a summer camp where everything seems possible for a young person who stutters, and where they develop the skills they need to communicate more effectively, build self-confidence and forge friendships to last a lifetime. This sleep-away camp welcomes children and teens that stutter, ages 8-18, and their young family members and friends who want to share an incredible camp experience together. Young people from across the country, and beyond, attend Camp SAY year-after-year. www.CampSAY.org

SOURCE SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young