November 1, 2024 – New York, NY – Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) proudly announces that Fordham University has joined the MADD Sports initiative, with basketball star Matt Zona becoming the latest MADD Sports Student-Athlete Game Changer. In this role, Zona will help raise awareness about impaired driving, promote mental wellness, and encourage personal accountability among student-athletes and the larger community.
The MADD Sports program brings together athletes, teams, and universities to support MADD’s mission to end impaired driving, foster safer communities, and offer support to victims and survivors of drunk and drugged driving. Fordham University, known for its commitment to academic and athletic excellence, is the latest institution to take a stand in this critical fight, aligning with MADD’s goals of creating a safer future.
Matt Zona, a standout player on Fordham’s basketball team, has embraced the opportunity to become a leader in this initiative. “I’m honored to represent MADD Sports and Fordham in the effort to end impaired driving and help fellow student-athletes navigate challenges like mental wellness and personal responsibility,” said Zona. “I believe we have the power to set an example on and off the court.”
Erica Linn, MADD National Ambassador, and survivor connected MADD with Fordham’s athletic department. “As a survivor, I know firsthand the devastating effects impaired driving can have on lives,” said Linn. “I’m excited to mentor Fordham’s student-athletes, including Matt Zona, and to see them take on this cause with such passion. Their voices are powerful, and we can make a real difference.”
Stacey Stewart, MADD CEO, praised the partnership with Fordham University and the impact athletes like Zona can have in the fight against impaired driving. “Fordham’s commitment to MADD’s mission reflects their dedication to athletic excellence and the safety and well-being of their community. Matt Zona exemplifies what it means to be a MADD Sports Game Changer, and his leadership will help us reach even more young people with our life-saving messages.”
MADD Sports aims to continue expanding its reach through partnerships with universities and student-athletes across the country. With Matt Zona leading the charge at Fordham University, the future is brighter for both athletics and the broader fight against impaired driving.
Please visit www.madd.org/maddsports for more information about MADD Sports.
About MADD Sports
MADD Sports is a division of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) that partners with sports organizations to engage athletes in impaired driving prevention and mental health advocacy. MADD Sports works to empower student-athletes to serve as role models, using their platforms to promote healthy, responsible choices and create safer communities.
About MADD
Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is a national nonprofit leading the movement to end impaired driving for good. Since 1980, MADD has helped reduce drunk driving deaths in America by nearly 40%, saved more than 475,000 lives, and served more than one million victims and survivors. The organization is committed to leading prevention efforts with young adults, collaborating with law enforcement to keep our roads safe from impaired drivers, as well as advocating for stricter sentencing and stronger laws, including the HALT Act that mandates anti-drunk driving technology in every new car. MADD continues to provide support services to victims and survivors of impaired driving at no charge through victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. For more information or to donate, visit https://madd.org/ and follow MADD on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
