Addict turned pro BMX racer and Olympic coach to speak in Modesto on the dangers of fentanyl
Tony Hoffman, who survived opioid addiction to resume a BMX racing career, will share his inspirational story at a fentanyl awareness event in Modesto next month.
Hoffman’s struggle with drug addiction landed him in Wasco State Prison in Kern County on a robbery conviction. But through goal-setting and determination, he raced professionally at BMX bicycle tracks after his release from prison and was a coach at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Today, Hoffman is an inspirational speaker on mental health and substance abuse topics and owner of a drug and alcohol treatment facility.
His talks have informed health systems and government agencies about the lack of infrastructure and services for people wanting to overcome addiction.
Sylvan Union School District is bringing Hoffman’s “From Prison to the Olympics” presentation to a community event starting at 6 p.m. Jan. 11 at Dan Savage Middle School, 1901 Maid Mariane Lane. Stanislaus County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services will provide information on community resources and distribute free Narcan kits as the county contends with opioid addiction and illegal fentanyl poisoning deaths.
In the most recent tally, Stanislaus County had preliminary confirmation of 100 fentanyl overdose deaths this year, and fatalities from all drugs were expected to exceed the 200 mark by year’s end.
Hoffman spoke to students and parents at a Waterford school district drug awareness event in December 2022. People interested in attending the free event in Modesto are asked to RSVP by Jan. 5.
