Background Information
ATLAS (Athletes Training & Learning to Avoid Steroids) and ATHENA (Athletes Targeting Healthy Exercise & Nutrition Alternatives) are award-winning, evidence-based health promotion and substance abuse prevention programs for high school athletic teams. They are peer-led, gender specific, interactive and easy to implement during a sport team’s usual practice sessions.
ATLAS and ATHENA are proven to protect athletes from substance abuse and related harmful behaviors.
ATLAS and ATHENA educate athletes about:
- Sports Nutrition
- Strength Training
- Effects of Steroids, Alcohol, Supplements & Illicit Drugs on Performance
What makes these programs effective? Student-athletes teach each other in a small group setting. A coach facilitates the program. The activities are easy to follow and foster creativity. Student-athletes share similar goals and work together to improve their sport performance by learning how to eat better and train correctly.
ATLAS and ATHENA have undergone rigorous research evaluations and have been evaluated by numerous federal agencies for effectiveness, including the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the investigative arm of Congress. Awards have been received from the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Sports Illustrated.
North Hills Participation
North Hills hosted the Kickoff to the 2010-2011 Atlas and Athena/Pittsburgh Steeler Program. North Hillsl, in conjunction with the Steelers, will see 20 team captains and leaders receive training on the promotion of healthy nutrition and exercise practices as an alternative to drug use. Coaches and athletes received training on strategies for healthy lifestyles. Pittsburgh Steeler Tight End Matt Spaeth spoke to the student athletes. The following schools were selected to participate in the program for 2010-2011:
- North Hills High School
- Gateway High School
- Ambridge Area High School
- Moon Area High School
- Hampton High School
- Penns Manor High School
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