Former Atlanta Brave and Falcon Brian Jordan plans celebrity golf fundraiser

ajc.com

Credit: Jennifer Brett

Credit: Jennifer Brett

Former Atlanta Braves and Falcons player Brian Jordan is busier than ever in his so-called retirement.

The Fox Sports South analyst has authored a number of children’s books and this summer announced a partnership with Kennesaw State University and LakePoint Sporting Community to launch the Brian Jordan Center for Excellence and Professional Development. The Bartow County facility, scheduled to open in March 2016, is affiliated with KSU’s WellStar College of Health and Human Services’ Department of Exercise Science and Sports Management.

If that wasn't enough, Jordan also stays active with his foundation, which operates sports camps and literacy programs for kids and awards scholarships to rising college students. Nearly 40 foundation scholars are pursuing degrees at universities throughout the country.

“Our goal is to have 16 scholars this year,” Jordan said during a recent interview. “Last year we had 12.”

To help the list grow, while having fun mixing it up on the pingpong table, bowling alley or golf course, Jordan invites you to the Brian Jordan Foundation Celebrity Golf Weekend, happening Saturday through Monday.

Photo: courtesy of the Brian Jordan Foundation.

Credit: Jennifer Brett

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Credit: Jennifer Brett

“This is our ninth annual golf weekend,” he noted.

Things kick off at 6:30 p.m. Saturday with a pingpong and bowling tournament at the Dave & Buster’s at 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 441, in Lawrenceville. The celebrity scramble on Sunday at Chateau Elan in Brasel­ton starts with registration and continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m., lunch and shotgun start at 11 a.m. and awards ceremony at 4 p.m. Following that are cocktails, dinner, a silent auction and entertainment at 7 p.m.

The Celebrity Golf Classic is planned for Monday at Chateau Elan. Registration and breakfast are at 8:30 a.m., a helicopter ball drop happens at 10:30 a.m. and shotgun start and lunch happen at 11 a.m. The awards ceremony and dinner start at 4 p.m.

Here's a video from last year's event, to give you an idea of what all to expect:

Details and registration information can be found online at brianjordanfoundation.com/weekend.

“You never retire,” Jordan said. “If you have passion, you’ve got to continue your passion. My passion is giving hope to these kids out here. We have to stay on top of our youth.”

When he’s not organizing celebrity sports events or writing books (he’s just finished his fourth), Jordan appears at speaking engagements.

“It really gives me passion to give kids hope and direction and let them know the importance of continuing your education,” said Jordan, a father of five who also serves as a statesman for current pro sports figures. “I tell every young athlete, ‘You have an opportunity. Whether you like it or not, you’re considered a role model in young kids’ lives. Take advantage of it. Don’t be selfish. Give back. Always have your game face on. Go out there and accept being a role model and be positive.’”