LT's Blog

ATLANTA – Atlanta City Councilmember Ivory Lee Young, Jr. will present a proclamation on behalf of the City of Atlanta to Washington Redskins Cornerback Leigh Torrence, Jr. at 1:00 p.m. July 16th during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.

The Council meeting will take place at Atlanta City Hall, Council Chamber, 55 Trinity Avenue, SW.

Prior to the proclamation presentation, a reception will be held in honor of Torrence and the South West Atlanta Youth Foundation in the Large Council Conference Room, Suite 2900, beginning at 12 Noon. Torrence founded the South West Atlanta Youth Foundation as a way to mentor kids and assist disadvantaged youth in southwest Atlanta realize their full potential.

Torrence recently hosted 457 campers (including 100 cheerleading campers) at Frederick Douglass High School in Southwest Atlanta for the Second Annual 4th Down Fundamentals Football and Cheerleading Camp. By partnering with the Police Athletic League and with funding from the SWAY Foundation, Make a Difference Foundation and the NFL, the campers enjoyed the day concentrating on developing key football and cheerleading fundamentals while being introduced to life skill concepts. They received hands on guidance from 12 NFL players, including Atlanta Falcons Alge Crumpler, Stage Ready cheerleading group, a number of knowledgeable coaches, and more than 100 volunteers!

“It was great to see so many members of our community come out in support of this event,” said Torrence. “Our youth need programs like this and I am grateful to have been able to play a role in making it happen. This event has reaffirmed my belief that we can make a positive impact on our community and that with a little push in the right direction, great things can happen.”

South West Atlanta Youth Foundation provides funding and resources for other innovative youth development initiatives throughout Atlanta.

“It’s important that we recognize Mr. Leigh Torrence for his outstanding service to the community and for his commitment to our youth,” said Councilman Young. “Atlanta is fortunate to have athletes like him who are dedicated to giving back to their community.”

An Atlanta native, Torrence attended International Preparatory Institute and St. Anthony Catholic School in the West End . In 2005, Leigh signed with the Green Bay Packers and was later acquired by the Atlanta Falcons. He was signed last year by the Washington Redskins.

Additional guests at Monday’s reception and proclamation presentation will include:

* Cecilia Houston-Torrence of the South West Atlanta Youth Foundation
* Lamar Scott, SWAY Foundation
* Yvonne Ash, SWAY Foundation
* Lisa Baker, SWAY Foundation
* Tari Linnear, SWAY Foundation
* Donovan Quary, Make a Difference Foundation
* Sharon Quary, Make a Difference Foundation
* Howard Lemons, Make a Difference Foundation
* Jean Brannan, Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia
* Pat Sims, Chris Draft Family Foundation
* Chris Draft, St. Louis Rams
* Eric Wilson, Atlanta School Board
* Marilyn Jennings, Publicist
* Sylvia Williams, Community Resident
* Dorothy Shaw, Community Resident

For more information, please call Councilman Young’s office at (404) 330-6046.