Peach Bowl, Inc. CEO Gary Stokan was named the recipient of the 2024 Spirit of ABW Award by Athletes For A Better World (ABW). Stokan received the honor as part of the 2024 Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup award ceremony held Thursday at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

The ceremony, named in honor of legendary basketball coach John Wooden, recognized individuals who epitomize the highest standards of character, leadership and community service. The Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup is awarded annually to individuals who demonstrate outstanding character and a dedication to making a positive impact on their communities, while the ABW Spirit Award is awarded only on occasion to those individuals who are deemed so exceptional and laudatory that they are worthy of special recognition and praise.

Stokan was recognized alongside former Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie, Georgia Tech swimming and diving student-athlete McKenzie Campbell and Princeton football student-athlete Jalen Travis.

“This year’s recipients exemplify the principles that Coach John Wooden held dear. Their commitment to excellence, integrity, academics and community service sets a standard for all of us,” said Kim Coleman, co-chairman, Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup/Athletes For A Better World.”

Stokan has served as CEO and president of Peach Bowl, Inc. since 1998. Under his management, Peach Bowl, Inc. events have generated an economic impact of $1.45 billion and $91 million in direct government tax revenue for the city of Atlanta and the state of Georgia. 

Peach Bowl, Inc., through funds derived from its Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Aflac Kickoff Game and Southern Company Peach Bowl Challenge charity golf tournament, has donated $62.9 million in charity and scholarship contributions to organizations in need. The money has benefited more than 70 different organizations in Atlanta and their partner team and conference communities. Stokan also created the Peach Bowl LegACy Fund at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to support new drug trials and find cures for childhood cancer, and has also inspired the creation of the Peach Bowl Touchdowns for Children’s campaign which has raised more than $3.8 million for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.