The 3rd Annual Drug Training event will be hosted by the Brown County Training Coalition on Friday, August 29th at the Brownwood Coliseum and will feature Tony Hoffman, professional BMX racer and recovering addict. The keynote speech by Hoffman will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the public is invited to attend.
Tony Hoffman is a native of Central California and a graduate of Clovis High School. He is a gifted athlete who spent his high school years traveling the country racing BMX and achieved the status of a top-ranked amateur along with multiple contract endorsements. Hoffman began using alcohol and drugs which put him in a downward spiral of addiction and eventually led him to commit armed robbery in 2004. At his sentencing, Tony was given probation and the opportunity to achieve sobriety in lieu of prison. Because he was not ready to make changes in his life, he was arrested on a probation violation, and went to prison in 2007.
Hoffman spent two years in the Wasco, Tehachapi, and Avenal state prisons, where he decided to make a change in his life and began planning a way to use both the positives and the negatives of his life to help kids avoid the mistakes he had made himself.
After his release from prison, Tony immediately re-entered the BMX racing circuit, winning five races as pro and competing at the Olympic level for two years. He never forgot his dream to help kids and in 2010, he achieved his goal of starting the Freewheel Project, a non-profit BMX racing organization devoted to educating youth on the importance of leading drug-free lives. The Freewheel Project directs youth toward outlets, such as BMX racing, as a way to fill their time with positive activities, which improve their wellbeing and boost their self-esteem. His summer BMX camps have grown in popularity as has his demand as an inspirational speaker.
Whether competing on the track, teaching youth the sport of BMX, or sharing words through public speaking, Tony follows three guiding principles: Make the right choices, follow the right people, and never give up on your dreams.
Many area school districts are expected to bring their students to the coliseum to hear this message about the dangers of alcohol and drugs. Previous events speakers include Kevin Brooks in 2012 and Tiffany Eis in 2013. Both gave powerful speeches about the life changing consequences and results of drug and alcohol abuse, as will Tony Hoffman during this year’s event.
Brownwood Chief of Police Mike Corley stated that the event will offer important information for everyone.
“I would like to remind everyone that Tony Hoffman’s presentation is free to the public. Everyone is invited,” said Corley in an email publicizing the event. “I think it is a great message for parents and grandparents, and well, for everyone. It is free and the presentation will only last for an hour or just a little longer.”
To help raise money to fund the event, the Texas Rangers have donated an Alexi Ogando autographed pennant from the Rangers Foundation which will be sold at auction during the event.
For more about Tony and his story click here. Photo contributed.
