Dr. Kevin Elko, one of American’s most requested performance speakers, will speak at the Trojan Arena Monday. Elko has received National Championship rings from both the University of Miami and the LSU football teams for his contributions to their success.

Elko has also consulted with the football programs at the University of Alabama and worked with several NFL teams.

First National Bank is bringing Elko to Troy, sending a special invitation to student-athletes in local schools, including Troy University, Charles Henderson, Pike Liberal Arts, Pike County, Goshen and Zion Chapel High Schools.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for these student-athletes that ordinarily wouldn’t have a speaker like this,” said John Ramage, president and CEO of FNB. “The athletes will hear a very good message.”

Ramage said that hosting Elko is a good way for FNB to give back to the community.

However, the event is not just for athletes; it is a free event open to the public.

“It’s not just a sports-themed message,” Ramage said. “It’s about winning on the field and in life.”

Elko will be speaking on “The Secret to Becoming a Champion,” relating to people of all ages, careers and lifestyles.

“Hopefully, his message will inspire people to do more and to give back,” Ramage said. “We can all do better. It’s not just the sports teams that he’s talking to.”

Elko has worked with some of the largest companies in the country in areas of leadership, goal setting and various other motivational topics.

“He has a nice way of putting thing,” Ramage said. “Sometimes leadership speakers sound like they have figured it out, but you haven’t. He has a way of infusing some humor into it with some real-world stories. He is a very good communicator.”

Elko will be speaking Monday at 10 a.m. in the Trojan Arena. Admission is free to everyone attending.

“We encourage everybody to come out,” Ramage said. “If you have an hour, it’s a good way to spend it.”