Athletes For A Better World Announces Recipients of the 2024 Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup
[Atlanta, GA] — Athletes For A Better World is thrilled to announce the distinguished winners of the 2024 Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup. This prestigious award, named in honor of the legendary Coach John Wooden, recognizes individuals who epitomize the highest standards of character, leadership, and community service.
Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup Pro Recipient: Former Heisman Trophy Winner, Doug Flutie, is our 2024 Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup Professional Athlete Winner. Doug had a 21-year professional football career which led him from the CFL, and USFL to the NFL (Chicago, Buffalo, New England, and San Diego). He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and presently is a Commentator for NBC while running the “Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism” in the name of his son, Dougie, Jr. to help less fortunate families who have children with autism.
Spirit of ABW Award Winner: Gary Stokan is our 2024 Spirit Award winner. Gary is the CEO and president of Peach Bowl, Inc., a position he has held since 1998. Under his management, Peach Bowl, Inc. events have generated an economic impact of $1.42 billion and $88 million in direct government tax revenue for the city of Atlanta and the state of Georgia since 1999.
Peach Bowl, Inc., through funds derived from its Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Aflac Kickoff Game and Southern Company Peach Bowl Challenge charity golf tournament, has donated $62.9 million in charity and scholarship contributions to organizations in need. The money has benefited more than 70 different organizations in Atlanta and their partner team and conference communities. Gary also created the Peach Bowl LegACy Fund at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to support new drug trials and find cures for childhood cancer, and has also inspired the creation of the Peach Bowl Touchdowns for Children’s campaign which has raised more than $3.8 million for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Collegiate Student-Athlete Winner {Female}: McKenzie Campbell, Georgia Tech, (Swimming & Diving) has been selected as the outstanding individual recipient of the 2024 Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup. Her unwavering commitment to community service, academics, and leadership, embodies the values championed by Coach Wooden. As a Scholar All-American (2nd Team), with a 4.0 GPA, and a valuable contributor to the Michael Isenhour Toy Drive, McKenzie embodies all the characteristics of our Athlete’s For A Better World (ABW) mission statement.
Collegiate Student-Athlete Winner {Male}: Jalen Travis, Princeton (Football). Jalen has demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship, teamwork, and community engagement and has a proven track record showcasing his dedication to making a positive impact both on and off the field. As a Truman Scholarship recipient and founder of a non-profit (The Just Action Coalition) which engages youth with community leaders, police, and elected officials, Jalen combines his talents and skillsets directly into our overall organizational statement.
“Receiving the Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup is truly a dream come true,” said Travis. “To be recognized as embodying the legacy of one of the greatest leaders sports have ever seen, I am extremely humbled. Thank you to Athletes for a Better World for this incredible honor and your dedication to recognizing and supporting athletes who are using their platforms to leave a positive impact on this world.”
Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup Ceremony Details: The award ceremony to honor Doug Flutie, McKenzie Campbell (Ga Tech) and Jalen Travis (Princeton) will take place on April 25, 2024, at the College Football Hall of Fame (Atlanta, Georgia). The event will include inspiring speeches, a celebration of the winners’ achievements, and an opportunity for the community to come together in recognition of these outstanding individuals.
Quotes: “Doug, McKenzie, and Jalen exemplify the principles that Coach John Wooden held dear. Their commitment to excellence, integrity, academics, and community service sets a standard for all of us,” said Kim Coleman, Co-Chairman, Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup/Athletes For A Better World.”
About the Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup: The Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup is awarded annually to individuals who demonstrate outstanding character and a dedication to making a positive impact on their communities. It honors the legacy of Coach John Wooden, one of the most revered coaches in the history of sports.
About Athletes For A Better World: The mission of Athletes For A Better World (ABW) is to use sports to develop character, teamwork, and citizenship through a commitment to an athletic Code for Living that applies to life, and to create a movement that will play a significant role in the transformation of individuals, sports and society.
