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We, as fellow parents and individuals around the
world, need to send a clear, simple and resounding message to our world
leaders, governing officials, businesses, schools and organizations. We
will no longer allow record setting accomplishments to be broken or
obliterated by those who use chemical substances in any form as a means
of enhancing athletic performance. We will not allow our children to
believe in the idea that cheating to win is acceptable. 755 is our
lightning rod number as an example of a position on which we intend to
hold firm. When Henry "Hank" Aaron broke Babe Ruth's lifetime home run
record of 714, he accomplished the feat naturally, through honesty,
integrity and truth. We are not opposed to anyone capable of setting or
breaking records; we applaud and promote the excitement and energy of
dedicated record-breaking competition. Our
position, however, is simple, clear, and direct: anyone found to have
cheated the system of fair play and integrity should have his or her
record invalidated and should not be afforded accolades or allowed to
reap financial reward as a result of their deceitful actions.
As a society we must not allow the records of sports
idols to be surpassed by the performances of modern athletes under the
influence of chemicals or enhancements. Major sports leagues should not
allow players to use such substances. Looking away or adopting lenient
policies on questionable substances is tacit approval of unacceptable
behavior. We implore professional franchises as well as schools and
amateur sports organizations, to adopt zero tolerance guidelines for the
use of chemical and substance abuse. These guidelines will help to
ensure the integrity of professional and amateur athletics and restore
honor to the games they represent.
Through education and advocacy we will endeavor to
protect our children and families from being seduced into the belief
that taking chemical substances in any form is an acceptable means of
enhancing athletic performance. Our message is
clear; penalties that far outweigh the potential benefits must be
enforced if we are going to help young people realize and understand the
merits of true competitive spirit.
Please visit this important and related site:
TAYLOR HOOTON
FOUNDATION
“Fighting Steroid Abuse”
In Loving Memory of:
Taylor Edward Hooton (June 10, 1986 – July 7, 2003)
www.taylorhooton.org
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