Ak-Chin & Ute Mountain host 'Team Diabetes Prevention Racing'<br>

“It means a lot to me that the program is exciting for the kids because I want to be a strong role-model for Native American youth and getting out there and working with them is probably the best way to have an impact on their lives,” Witherill said.

The TDPR program is open to all tribes that would like to have Cory come speak to their youth.

“Our plan is to try to speak with every tribe in the country,” Witherill said. “All Native Americans can learn something from my presentation.”

In an effort to make the expense of the presentations less burdensome on tribe’s that would like to host a speaking engagement, Witherill is planning to locate his show car in different regions of the country at different times of the year.

“I am planning to locate my show car in New Mexico for the week of Sept. 7-14 in hopes of attracting several speaking engagements in the Southwest region,” explained Witherill. “We know that it is expensive to the tribes to transport my show car from state to state. I think this idea will reduce the expenses involved with hosting an event and make it more feasible for tribes in these local areas to participate in the program.

“I am real flexible. I just want to see as many tribes as possible get involved and support our quest to get this important message to the Indian youth.”

Witherill will also be transporting the show car to Indianapolis for the entire month of October in an effort to reach the needs of the Midwestern tribes.

“Our schedule is pretty open for the rest of the summer and we would enjoy the opportunity to visit as many tribes as possible with this new program,” he said.

Witherill has been speaking to Native American children on topics of tobacco and alcohol prevention and building self-esteem for several years and works well with Native American youth.

“I see the looks in the kid’s faces and I know that they are getting my message,” he said. “I really think that this program is the strongest message that I have ever had to deliver because the diabetes rate in Indian Country is so absurdly high.

"We have got to put a stop to it and the first step is educating our children.”

Any parties interested in more information should contact Cory’s manager Greg Sowers at greg@motorsportsmanagement.com.

Donate to nhonews.com Report a Typo Contact
Most Read