The Real AJ Foundation proudly presents the 4th Annual “Georgia High School All-Star Event” on December 22, 2015, benefitting Cerebral Palsy Awareness. The organization has joined NFL Alumni, and local high school football communities, to provide more than 200 student athletes an opportunity to showcase their talents among Georgia’s premiere competitors at the Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta. The High School All-Star game will also celebrate the achievements of select youth football student-athletes, giving them an opportunity to be rewarded for their yearlong efforts as well.
Executive Director, John Starr, expressed the importance of highlighting the talents of the all-star players selected. “These athletes have earned their positions by showing outstanding effort, commitment and dedication to Georgia High School Football,” said Coach Starr. “It’s always great to provide an opportunity for those who may not have gotten exposure during their season, to be recognized as well. The event provides supplemental exposure to student athletes seeking scholarship opportunities and grants some of Georgia’s top student athletes the opportunity to showcase their talents and compete against some of the nation’s premier players.” Former Mt. Zion HS (DT) standout, Alexus Johnson Jr., shared his thoughts as an alumni participant of the event. “It was my last high school football game. Every guy in Georgia wants to play their last game at the Georgia Dome! I was able to go out with a bang! It was an opportunity to play with and against some of the best players in the state. It’s something I will never forget.” Alexus is a 2016 verbal commit of the Tennessee Volunteers, with additional offers from Louisville, Auburn, Kentucky, Baylor, Ole Miss and Texas A&M.
In addition to football, Coach Starr wants to remind the community of what the primary focus of the event is. “We are trying to raise the awareness of Cerebral Palsy among the football community, good families and the youth. In order to meet our mission and provide services in our community, we rely on the generosity of individuals and businesses for support. Without the assistance of community-minded individuals, we would not be able to serve those in our community and across our region each year. We look forward to growing our annual event.”
The foundation has already garnered the support of local community and regional partners, such as: Truck Town (Summerville, Ga) and received sponsorship support of local NFL and NFL Alumni talents, Senorise Perry (Chicago Bears) Northwest Ga All-Star Team sponsor; Torell Troup (Buffalo Bills) Metro Atlanta All-Star Team sponsor; Super Bowl Champion Deon Grant (NY Giants) and Takeo Spikes (San Diego Chargers) CSRA-Augusta Area All-Star team sponsors.
***Select youth teams (6u-14u) will play in the Dome from 9am-3pm, followed by the featured Senior All-Star Game at 4:30 pm, concluding with the Junior All-Stars at 7:30 pm. Families and friends are welcome to support the event and tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster or at the Box office before the event.
ABOUT CEREBRAL PALSY
CP is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. CP is the most common motor disability in childhood. The CDC estimates that an average of 1 in 323 children in the U.S. have CP.
ABOUT THE “Real AJ” FOUNDATION – http://therealajfoundation.org/
The Real AJ Foundation seeks to “Bring Awareness to Cerebral Palsy and to help those affected by Cerebral Palsy to live their “best life”. The foundation was organized in support of 23 year old, ‘AJ Starr’, who was born with CP and received the name ‘The Real AJ’ during his tenure as the football equipment manager for the U of A football team, alongside then star QB AJ McCarron. AJ has never seen CP as a reason to be down, but rather an opportunity to spread awareness on living and thriving with CP. The Foundation’s mission is to support AJ as he continues to live his purpose, uplifting others in need of assistance to improve their quality of life. AJ’s story was the 2014 ESPN Sugar Bowl Feature, which highlighted his will to defy all odds, and persevere with fervent resilience, to pursue his Master’s degree, since earning a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama. (Click here to see ESPN clip: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:10233231). Click here to support the Real AJ Foundation All-Star Game Go Fund Me account: https://de.gofund.me/tgrbf4
ABOUT THE DEON GRANT FOUNDATION- http://www.grantdknowledge.org/
Through identified and cohesive partnerships, Grant D Knowledge strives to address the needs of each inner city youth and the community by working closely with schools, parents, and community agencies and support involvement in extra-curricular activities of each identified child while negating the obstacles associated with cost for participation in such activities that have proven to assist children with developing a comprehensive, total experience that prepares them for transition through adolescence into productive adults and citizens.
ABOUT THE TORREL TROUP FOUNDATION- http://troupfoundation.org/
Troup Community Development Foundation has been designed and created to do just what its name says, take children beyond their dreams. We believe that children ARE our future and that a mind is a terrible thing to waste. We are dedicated to fostering educational development, enhancing academic and social skills and helping to build self-esteem. Our mission and objectives are the same as those that you hold for your child’s future. To give him or her nothing short of the best.
For a complete team and roster list, please contact:
John Starr
The Real AJ Foundation
706-859-1302
To make donations or for press inquiries on this event, please contact:
Alisha Alford
Glory Sports Consultants
404-399-9828