10-31-2014 | COLLINS TUOHY TO SPEAK AT INVITATIONAL; TOURNAMENT TO ATTEND PRIVATE SCREENING OF THE BLIND SIDE

10-31-2014 | COLLINS TUOHY TO SPEAK AT INVITATIONAL; TOURNAMENT TO ATTEND PRIVATE SCREENING OF THE BLIND SIDE

By: Cooper Invitational Staff

Collins Tuohy shares a famously close bond with her adopted brother, NFL Super Bowl Champion, Michael Oher. As chronicled in the The Blind Side, it began when she first met Michael in the hallways of Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis, Tennessee. As Collins grew close to Michael she helped him adjust to both Briarcrest and his new life with the Tuohy family. When Collins became Briarcrest’s Homecoming Queen, Michael was her escort, and they also shared a common bond through their unique athletic pursuits: Collins won the Tennessee State Championship in the Pole Vault as Michael earned All-State honors in the discus and basketball championships.

Collins, a nationally recognized motivational speaker, takes audiences through her journey with Michael from fellow student to close friend, confidant, and ultimately, adoptive sister. She discusses ways in which everyone can do something to change the life of another person. Using her own experiences as examples, she urges the audience to see the value that everyone holds and not let presumptions skew their judgment of others.

Collins earned her Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Mississippi. An exceptional student and influential role model on campus, she was the President of the Student Alumni Council, President of Student Spirit Committee, an Officer for the Kappa Delta Sorority and an Ole Miss Varsity Cheerleader, supporting Michael Oher—also an Ole Miss student—from the sidelines. A gifted musician, Collins has also played the piano since the age of six.

Collins is Co-Owner and the Director of Marketing and Sales at Whimsy Cookie Company in Memphis.

The Blind Side, was a record-breaking Hollywood blockbuster that earned more than $300 million at the box office and became the number-one opening weekend for a sports film in history.

Tournament participants will have a private screening of The Blind Side Thursday evening after the Welcome Banquet at the MALCO Paradiso theater.

Don’t forget to enter your bracket in the Bracket Challenge at: http://www.cooperinvitational.com/bracketchallenge.