Partnership with NCHSAA Brings Conversations About Alcohol to Fall Sporting Events
RALEIGH, NC / ACCESSWIRE / August 26, 2024 / Talk it Out NC, the North Carolina initiative to prevent underage drinking, is once again partnering with the North Carolina High School Athletic Association ( NCHSAA ) to showcase our state's student-athletes and encourage all young people to stay sober through its "Game of the Week" program. At sporting events throughout the fall, Talk it Out NC representatives will bring drinking-prevention resources and speak to athletic teams before their games to spread awareness about the dangers of teen alcohol misuse.  
Talk It Out NC is also responsible for the Take the Pledge program, in which parents, teens, coaches, and athletes pledge to Start the Conversation about alcohol and make responsible decisions. As part of their participation in Game of the Week, high school athletic teams will pledge to stay sober, support sobriety for their peers, and have regular conversations at home about the risks of underage drinking. Teams will also receive the following when they participate in Game of the Week:
Up to a $250 stipend to athletic departments for under-supported student fees, travel expenses, athletic equipment, and more.
Pre-game speech by a Talk it Out NC representative.
Pledge Cards for all athletes and coaches.
Educational Handout - Alcohol's Effect on Athletic Performance.
Talk it Out NC banner showcasing commitment to preventing underage drinking.
"We have to meet teens where they are to show how important it is to refrain from drinking underage," said Hank Bauer, Chairman of the NC ABC Commission. "This partnership with the NCHSAA to bring Game of the Week to athletes across the state can directly impact the future of the next generation. We all know one conversation can help prevent underage drinking, and we hope that, for some children, this conversation will be that one."
A recent survey indicated that about 25% of North Carolina high schoolers reported drinking alcohol within the last month. Another study showed that teens participating in a team sport in high school were more likely to drink alcohol compared to teens who didn't play team sports. By collaborating with the NCHSAA, Talk it Out NC aims to leverage the excitement around fall sporting events to raise awareness about preventing underage drinking.
To sign up for a Game of the Week or to learn more, visit www.nchsaa.org/talk-it-out-game-of-the-week. For more information about Talk it Out NC, please visit talkitoutnc.org. 
Media Contact   
Nancy Bostrom
[email protected]
(919) 459-8163  
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About Talk it Out NC:  
The North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission launched the Talk it Out NC campaign in 2014. The goal of the multimedia awareness and engagement campaign is to reduce underage drinking by encouraging conversations between responsible adults and young people. Talk it Out NC offers resources for parents and others who need guidance talking to their children about the dangers of underage drinking. This aligns with the ABC Commission's mission of working to strengthen the public health, wellness, and safety of communities across North Carolina. 
Visit www.TalkitOutNC.org  to get the conversation started. 
SOURCE: Talk it Out NC