September 19, 2018: Don't miss the chance to meet BMX Pro and Olympian Coach Tony Hoffman at a special, free community event hosted by OPEN — Branford Counseling Center's Local Prevention Council Opiate/Prescription Drug Education Network — on Wednesday, October 17 from 5:30 - 8 p.m. at Branford High School, 185 East Main St/

Pre-register by October 8 at www.branfordprevention.org for this family event that features a casual supper, a BMX Bike Door Prize, and a keynote presentation by guest speaker Tony Hoffman. Childcare will be provided. The event is free and open to the public.

Presenter Tony Hoffman gets right to the heart of the increasing problem of opiate and prescription drug abuse—and the stigma associated with it. A former BMX pro and Olympic coach, Hoffman is also a recovering addict. His presentation, "One Choice Can Change the Rest of Your Life," will engage the audience with its inspiring story, from Hoffman's early teenage struggles with mental health to his active years of substance abuse, from his time in prison through the years of recovery that helped him achieve his current success.

Hoffman's story is full of redemption as he has seen some of the highest highs and the lowest lows. Today, he is the founder and director of The Freewheel Project, a non-profit organization that mentors thousands of youth through action sports: BMX, skateboarding and after-school programs. The Freewheel Project focuses on teaching kids leadership skills and making healthy life choices, including substance abuse prevention. He is also working on his first book, Coming Clean.

The event is presented with support from the Branford Police Department, Branford Public Schools, Branford Rotary Club, and Archdiocese of Hartford. Local sponsors include Cheri's Bakery, Foe Foods & Catering, Words by Jen, and Zane's Cycles.

Doors open for the event at 5:30 p.m. Before the presentation, enjoy a light dinner with friends in the high school cafeteria, then gather with an OPEN mind and an OPEN heart for Hoffman's presentation from 7 – 8 p.m., with pictures and autographs afterwards.

Students in seventh grade and older are welcome to attend the presentation. Students in sixth grade and younger should register for childcare as the topic and presentation may not be age appropriate.

Pre-registratoin is required by October 8. Please visit www.branfordprevention.org or call 203-833-4809.