Olympia, Tumwater football teams raise awareness for addiction prevention and recovery

Two football programs in the Thurston County region are bringing awareness to addiction prevention and recovery by participating in the American Addiction Recovery Association (AARA) Purple Project.

Olympia High School and Tumwater High School each vowed to participate in the Purple Project, a national effort that uses the visibility of football to raise awareness about addiction, prevention, recovery and hope. Both programs have worn, or will wear, purple ribbon stickers on their helmets this fall.

Olympia High School wore the purple helmet sticker on Thursday, Sept. 17, in the Bears’ 22-3 victory over Bellarmine Preparatory School at Ingersoll Stadium in Olympia. Tumwater High School will wear the purple helmet sticker in their home matchup on Friday, Oct. 9, against Ridgefield High School.

Olympia and Tumwater are the first two high school football teams in Washington state to wear the purple ribbons, according to a press release from Thurston County Commissioner Rachel Grant.

According to archrecoverycenter.com, the choice of a purple ribbon signifies compassion, understanding and support for those navigating the challenges of addiction.

The release added that when Tumwater High School football players received their stickers, they were all given this message:

“The purple ribbon stickers you’re receiving are part of the American Addiction Recovery Association Purple Project, a national effort using football to raise awareness about addiction prevention and recovery. Football teams across the country are wearing these ribbons with the goal of turning football fields purple and showing that recovery is possible. Purple represents strength and courage, and chances are we all know someone whose life has been impacted by addiction. By wearing the ribbon, you’re helping bring this message to Washington and showing support for people and families impacted by addiction.”

Grant, who serves on the Board of Governors of the American Addiction Recovery Association and is a person in long-term recovery, initiated the connections with the Thurston County-based schools and invited the programs to participate in the national campaign.

“I love the idea of using something as visible as Friday night football to talk about addiction and recovery in a different way,” Grant said. “These kids have friends, parents, siblings, coaches and community members who have been impacted by addiction. The purple ribbon is a simple way to say that recovery is possible and that there is strength in supporting people who are working to change their lives.”

The Thurston County Commissioner is hopeful to see more football programs across the state join Olympia and Tumwater in the Purple Project going forward.

“My hope is that next year we see purple ribbons on helmets all across the state,” Grant said. “Olympia and Tumwater stepped up first, and I’m really proud that this national effort is getting its start in Washington right here in Thurston County.”

There is no cost or fundraising requirement for any schools or programs across the country, state or county wishing to participate. AARA provides each team with the purple ribbon helmet stickers as part of its national awareness campaign.

AARA is a national organization that aims to bring people together in recovery and reduce the stigma associated with addiction and support recovery.