NAHF Member of the Year
Presented to Kenny Rogers, Executive DirectorCalifornia Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
When Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger re-launched the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports as a non-profit organization in 2005, Kenny Rogers was hired to help develop the Council into a vibrant, effective entity that would help California become known not only as the Golden State, but as the nation's fitness state as well. Kenny's leadership during 2006 and beyond has given California a great start on this path. The council has enjoyed more than its share of successes in promoting physical activity and fitness thanks to a strong council and Kenny's inspired leadership. He has made a perfect match to work with the Council and Council Chairman, Jake Steinfeld. It was through Kenny's efforts that NAHF and the CGCPFS were able to join forces to produce this year's conference and awards program.
Each year our Member of the Year Award is measured by the contributions the individual makes in their state and to NAHF. In both cases Kenny has truly been a leader, contributor and a superstar.
Working with his council, Diane Sabba and Jay Daniels, Kenny has helped in any way he could to make this year's NAHF-CGCPFS conference special. He has lead us to potential funding sources, special speakers and exhibitors. When his council came up with new and innovative programs it was his job to help carry them out. The California Governor's Council is indeed very fortunate to have such an outstanding leader to help guide their way and NAHF is fortunate to have such an outstanding member..
Kenny Rogers is a very giving person who stays in the background but is always willing to do the hard work behind the scenes to get the job done. We all owe Kenny Rogers a big thank you for his leadership and all he has done to help make this year's NAHF conference a remarkable success. Kenny Rogers—thanks for your assistance, guidance and hard work. You are truly deserving of this award.
NAHF Member of the Year II
Presented to Jay Daniels, Executive DirectorSouth Carolina Governor's Council on Physical Fitness
and Physical Activities Consultant for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
Jay Daniels is a multi-talented individual. The list of his contributions to this conference is so long we could write a book about it. He took on the lead to find speakers for the Health and Fitness Environmental track and landed some top national speakers with ease. He then took on the chairmanship of the fund-raising committee for the conference and we now have over $20,000 added to our conference budget. He has been there day and night to help make the conference fall into place. His vision was to help make this conference one of the best NAHF has had the privilege to put on and his vision has come true. Working alongside of conference chairperson, Diane Sabba, Jay has helped fill in the cracks, smoothed out the ruffles and added his guidance to help make the conference one that all attendees will appreciate.
Jay Daniels has been an NAHF board member for 3 years. Because of his dedication to help NAHF grow and by helping to spread the word of what NAHF has to offer its members he has gained so much respect from his fellow board members they all wonder how he always gets so much done so quickly and efficiently. He is the NAHF southern region district director and communicates regularly with the states in his region. He is now known for his lightning speed follow-up manner where he jumps on a task the same day he is asked and before you know it the task is completed. He never stops promoting the conference and NAHF. His sense of humor adds to his seriousness of getting the job done well and people walk away from his contact with a smile on their face and satisfaction that working with Jay was the right thing to do.
Smart Growth, Active Community Environments, Traffic Demand Management and the positive relationship between physical activity and academics are strong areas of interest for him. When he helps communities design and implement Smart Growth programs he feels like he is at he top of the world because he is doing what he loves, helping people and communities.
Jay is married and has two children. He enjoys scuba diving, weight training and likes working with woodcrafts. We are all honored to recognize this very dedicated man who always strives for the best. Thank you, Jay, for all you have done to make this conference the best—and for your NAHF promotions.
NAHF State Council of the Year I
Presented to California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and SportsThis award goes to a NAHF state council that has had a profound impact on the citizens of California. The innovative programs this council has developed have been remarkable in its short time of existence. When they were asked to take on the role as co-sponsor of this year's conference the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports simply rolled up their sleeves to help make this year's conference happen. When it comes to promoting health and fitness in their state their dedication again shines through. They have become champions to all they serve and are a wonderful role model for others to follow.
The California Governor's Council developed a series of innovative programs and initiatives over the past few years and many of them are profiled on the council's state of the art website: www.Calgovcouncil.org. Take a peek and you will be impressed. Their first initiative was to provide California teenagers with the opportunity to workout for free at 24 Hour Fitness clubs all across the state with their special Teen Fitness Pass when they signed up to take the Governor's Challenge on-line.
The second initiative that the Council developed was to recognize individuals, schools and companies who help promote fitness in their state. This event, called the Governors' Council Spotlight Awards, recognized all these individuals, organizations and events at their annual awards ceremony. All these people had a positive impact on the physical activity levels, fitness and well being of California children, youth and adults. Under this program the Council recognizes the leadership of teachers, principals, schools, non-profit organizations, companies, events and park and recreation programs. Governor Schwarzenegger presented gold, silver and bronze medals to the award winners covered by statewide media and held at a special ceremony in Sacramento in September of 2006. Each awardee was presented a $10,000 check by a Council member and a representative of Blue Cross of California Foundation, the awards' sponsor. Through a partnership that the Council developed with Time Warner, each awardee was also profiled in a full-page ad in Sports Illustrated, Time, Newsweek and U.S. News and World Report. The council then moved on to Spotlight the awards to children, parents, teachers, and school officials at small and big events throughout the state, from San Diego in the south to Humboldt in the North, San Bernardino in the east, Monterey in the west and dozens of spots in-between.
A third initiative the Council developed was the Live Like a Champion Tour, a mobile marketing effort in which a special painted and wrapped vehicle containing 3 sports ambassadors visited schools, parks, boys and girls clubs and YMCAs in some 40 communities over a 9-week period to promote physical activity and fitness across Southern California.
In addition to the above programs, the Council was able to deliver its message to Californians throughout the state through a strong media blitz. The Council events were well covered by the newspapers and on television. Their most effective PR tool however was their CGCPFS PSA television clip that reached most Californians through cable television entitled Endorphins Baby!, alerting youth to the mental highs they can get from the endorphins produced through physical activities.
We are proud to recognize the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports for its outstanding achievements.
NAHF State Council of the Year I
Presented to California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and SportsCGCPFS Members:
California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Honorary Chairman
Council Members:
Jake Steinfeld - Chairman, Peter Vidmar - Vice Chairman, Debbie Allen, Robert Balk, Lindsay Davenport, Lisa Fernandez, Julie Foudy, Tony Hawk, Reggie Jackson, Michelle Kwan, Jack LaLanne, Lisa Leslie, Misty May, Jerry Rice, Serena Williams, John Wooden
Board of Directors:
Austin Beutner - Chairman, Gene Sykes - Treasurer, Ron Beard, Steve Bornstein, Ann Meyers Drysdale, André Farr, Rusty Gregory, Tim Leiweke, Michael Lynton, Jamie McCourt, Bonnie Reiss, Marti Remmell, Nancy Tellem, Casey Wasserman, Jake Winebaum
Kenny Rogers, Executive Director
NAHF State Council of the Year II
Presented to Be Active North CarolinaBe Active North Carolina, Inc was originally created to seek out funds for the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports but is now a national model of how an independent non-profit health and fitness organization can and is serving health and fitness programs' needs throughout the state of North Carolina. Be Active NC consists of 13 full time staff members with two regional offices all supported by the funds Be Active NC raises each year. Over 14 million dollars have been raised to date. The Be Active NC Corporate Golf Challenge nets nearly $300,000 annually helping to support their organization's 2.5 million dollar a year budget.
Be Active NC has always been a strong supporter of NAHF. National Employees Health and Fitness Day is one of the NAHF programs they jump in to support each year with great results. Another benefit Be Active NC provides to NAHF members is to share their studies of the economic cost of unhealthy lifestyles. This study provides economic facts that help all states justify the need for health and fitness programming. Six other states have used this study as a guide to conduct their own studies.
Be Active NC is a strong supporter of open space or green space and bike paths as part of their mission. They take into account the social, political, cultural, environmental, organizational and interpersonal influences that mold a person's habits regarding physical activity to further their mission. People, programs and policies are the center of their strategies. Be Active NC's collaboration with others is key to their success. They have strong partnerships with corporations, churches, educational institutions, public health agencies, community-based organizations, professional groups and associations, media and local, county, and state agencies and elected officials to help promote physical activity across the state. Here is a look at just some of their many programs:
*Be Active Ambassadors - Using celebrity athletes to promote fitness
*Be Active Van - Using their Be Active Van to visit schools, communities and special events to promote fitness.
*Be Active Appalachian Partnership - A partnership with Appalachian State University to provide this section of the state with health and fitness opportunities.
*Be Active Kids - This program teaches 4 and 5 year olds about nutrition, physical activity and food safety.
*Be Active Challenge - A statewide team-oriented physical activity program.
*Grant program - A cooperative grant program where over $100,000 in grants have been distributed to schools, and community organizations working on grassroots programs.
*Healthy Active Children Teachers Training - BANC is now training over 50,000 classroom teachers how to integrate physical activity into their lesson plans.
*Active steps Walking Program - A pedometer walking program that has logged over 200 million steps.
*Active Steps @ Work - Walking program for employees
*Advocacy Training - Training program for professionals and interested citizens across the state.
Be Active North Carolina with out a doubt lives up to its name. They are a model, leader and program innovator. Be Active NC, you are most certainly worthy of this award.
NAHF Glenn Swengros Health and Fitness leadership Award I
Presented to Jake Steinfeld, Chairman, California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and SportsWe first have to give a special thanks to Jake Steinfeld for the amount of personal time and energy he has put into making this our best conference ever. He personally called all state councils encouraging them to attend and never stopped lending a hand to help bring in speakers or add to the conference program. This type of dedication is typical of Jake Steinfeld—a man who is totally dedicated to the field of health and fitness. As Chairman of the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports he has worked closely with his council and the Governor to help create health and fitness programs that have made a difference in the lives of California residents.
Jake Steinfeld is the founder and chairman of Body by Jake Global. He created the first Major Lacrosse League and stars in his Exercise T.V.! show. He is a world-recognized entrepreneur for health and fitness and is now a true fitness icon we all look up to. He is also considered one of the top national leaders in the fitness training industry. On top of it all he loves what he is doing and loves to help people to pump up their health, their bodies and their self-confidence through fitness.
In 1993 Jake launched FitTV, America's first 24-hour fitness lifestyle television network, which grew to reach over 13 million subscribers and was sold to FOX Broadcasting just four years later. He is now heading up Exercise TV!, a fitness-on-demand network, in partnership with Comcast Corporation. Jake founded the Don't Quit! Foundation, set up to support and educate adolescents about the value of physical fitness, and to establishing fitness centers in the inner cities' middle schools. Jake is also author of Wall St. Journal's best seller, I've Seen a Lot of Famous People Naked and They've Got Nothing on You! Some of his other books include Get Strong!: Body By Jake's Guide to Building Confidence, Muscles, and a Great Future for Teenage Guys; PowerLiving By Jake: Eleven Lessons to Change Your Life; Don't Quit: Motivation and Exercises to Bring Out the Winner in You and Body By Jake.
Jake's efforts in leading the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports have been a reflection of a truly dedicated man. On his own dime, Jake has traveled the state to talk about the importance of physical fitness. He's headlined meetings for the Council in dozens of communities, and always waived his speaking fee for which he is otherwise paid quite handsomely. He has called in favors from his extensive network of friends to produce a compelling public service announcement, and a professional quality awards video. Jake's keen understanding of the media and his willingness to serve as Council spokesperson have helped the Council receive millions of dollars of free publicity which it has used to encourage increased physical activity levels among California kids. Jake's leadership as the council chairperson has gained him respect from his fellow council members and the Governor as well. We are honored to present the Glenn Swengros Award to Jake Steinfeld this evening as one of this country's most accomplished fitness leaders.
NAHF Glenn Swengros Health and Fitness Leadership Award II
Presented to Governor Arnold SchwarzeneggerSo much can be said about Governor Schwarzenegger as one of the nation's top health and fitness leader and promoter not only in this country but throughout the world as well. He is a contributing member of NAHF. He has set high standards for the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, a state council he re-established in 2005 when he became governor.
Governor Schwarzenegger was born in Thal, Austria, living in a small house that had no plumbing, phone or carpeting. As a boy he played many sports, but discovered his passion for bodybuilding, an activity we all know him best for. He idolized Reg Park and Johnny Weissmuller and molded his career after their lifestyles. While serving in the Austrian army he would sneak off base to compete in his first bodybuilding competition—a path that he would follow throughout his life. This eventually led him to becoming the youngest person to win Mr. Universe at the age of 20 in 1967.
Governor Schwarzenegger then moved to the United States with little money but kept his passion to pursue his bodybuilding career until he became Mr. Olympia in 1970. He again won the title for 5 consecutive years. George Butler and Charles Grines convinced him to compete one more time in order to develop the documentary called Pumping Iron. At the same time he was appearing in the film Stay Hungry with Jeff Bridges. This started him on his movie career. In 1977 his autobiography Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder was published. His famous quote that came from Pumping Iron was “milk is for babies.” During this busy period in his life he found time to earn a B.A. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior where he graduated with a degree in international marketing of fitness and business administration in 1979. Schwarzengger became owner and executive editor of both Gym and Fitness magazine and Muscle & Fitness and Flex magazine as well.
George Bush appointed Schwarzenegger to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports in 1990 and he soon became the chairman of the council. Highlights of his tenure were when he declared war on the couch potatoes and took on a personal crusade for fitness. To show his dedication in support of the president's council he then took the time to visit all fifty states as chairman to promote physical fitness across the country. . As governor of the state of California he has again taken a strong stand in support of fitness. He restored funding for music, arts and physical education in his state again underscoring his belief that it is important that we educate the whole child. He feels that physical education and fitness along with music and the arts lead to self-confidence, self-esteem, camaraderie, competition, and community awareness in our youth all necessary to develop healthy citizens for tomorrow.
In 1991 he had became involved as co-founder and chairman of the board of the AFTER SCHOOL ALL STAR Program. This is a program where kids have a chance to get fit, take part in music, do home work and participate in the arts. This program now exists in 15 major cities across the country.
Governor Schwarzenegger and his wife, Maria, also have a special place in their hearts for the Special Olympics because of her family ties. Seeing the results the Special Olympics produces firsthand gave Schwarzenegger yet another avenue to pursue. He soon became Weight Training Coach for the Special Olympics, a task he simply loves. We thought it only appropriate that Melissa Johnson, Executive Director of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports present this award to the Governor as a past winner of the award and a representative of a council he respected and worked hard for. Presenting this award to Governor Schwarzenegger is one of the biggest honors NAHF has had to date. We are so proud of your achievements and the support you have given to advance health and fitness for this country. Thank you.
NAHF National Exemplary Health and Fitness Leadership Award I
Presented to National Recreation and Park AssociationPark and Recreation professionals probably have more frontline contact and responsibility to provide community health and fitness opportunities than any other profession. Today Health, Fitness and Sports are a major part of this profession and the National Recreation Park Association, NRPA, has recognized this responsibility and has taken on the challenge with the attitude that they can and should make a difference in the health and fitness opportunities in all communities across the country.
NRPA was one of ten national organizations selected by CDC to join in a collaborative coalition to help increase physically active lifestyles in the country. NRPA has taken a lead role in this coalition and has worked diligently to advance the capacity within the park and recreation profession to increase physical activity participation and opportunities. They have served in this leadership role by helping to influence and engage allied organizations to advance lifelong physical activity as a core strategy.
This award also highlights the importance of each state's council becoming close partners with their state Park and Recreation Associations. This will represent a direct pipeline to grass roots communities. As an example the NJCPFS has it written into state law that a NJRPA member has to be part of their council resulting in a direct communication to all communities for NJCPFS.
The focus of NRPA physical activity agenda has centered on increasing participation by mobilizing community resources, advancing the contributions of leisure science and establishing a public policy agenda that expands the access and opportunities for all citizens to engage in physically active lifestyles. The highlight of NRPA's journey to leverage municipal and County Park and recreation departments is their nationwide Step Up to Health program that has been the theme of their efforts. Here is a look at some of the programs they offer under this umbrella network:
*NRPA's 1997 Active Options program targets older adults as a population who needed to be more active.
*In 2000 NRPA started their Heart N'Parks program a landmark science-based study conducted in partnership with the National Heart and Lung and Blood Institute, a first of its kind community-based initiative to improve healthy heart behaviors.
*Step up to Health became an umbrella framework for NRPA to help mobilize communities around physical activity. NRPA has also launched a Step up to Health Online service to provide basic training to a broader audience of stakeholders.
*Research -To advance the field of leisure science NRPA stepped forward to help collaborate the framework of physical activity as a vital health need. They brought together leading researchers to their Active Living Research Forum to study fitness activities. NRPA initiated an Active Research Training Program in cooperation with the Cooper Institute.
*Collaborative Framework for Promoting Physical Activity.
*NRPA has worked closely with NCPPA to establish their strategic plan.
*NRPA received a gift of $5 million in advertising placement in Sports Illustrated and created a series of seven advertisements that promoted physical activity across the country.
*NRPA partnered with YMCA of USA in launching a program to insure children get 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
*For 2007 NRPA will conduct a National Health and Livability Summit to help crystallize partnerships of over 40 national organizations and showcase best community examples of how parks and recreation can play a role in promoting physical activity.
The National Recreation and Park Association has stepped into the national fitness world with flying colors and truly deserves this award.
NAHF National Exemplary Health and Fitness Leadership Award II
Presented to American Alliance for Health, Physical Education Recreation and DanceFirst we must recognize that this award is set up for national organizations and companies who have made outstanding advancements and contributed to national health and fitness concerns. The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance more than fit this category. AAHPERD and its members have always represented a basic service in teaching health and fitness to our youth but over the past few years they have taken on a much larger role expanding their focus outside the classroom and into the community. It is this new expanded effort that we recognize AAHPERD this evening.
AAHPERD is our largest professional health and fitness organization in the country with over 21,600 members. AAHPERD consists of 5 divisions (AAPAR, NDA, NAGWS, AAHE and NASPE) representing Physical Activity and Recreation, Dance, Girls Sports, Sports and Physical Education and Health Education. Within each of these subdivisions AAHPERD is able to develop innovative health and fitness programs and research for all ages and conditions. They set safety standards, new program guidelines, extensive research and have over 300 publications along with many monthly professional health and fitness magazines as well. Recently CDC had selected AAHPERD, NRPA and the national YMCA along with 7 other national organizations to partner in health and fitness research and promotion projects. Judy Young, representing AAHPERD this evening, is program director overseeing the multitude of new programs AAHPERD now offers and the coalitions.
Understanding that health and fitness education must start with our youth, AAHPERD's new efforts to better link the classroom with the community has cast them into an expanded role they are taking very seriously. As a resource team member along with other national health and fitness organizations AAHPERD and their new coalition partners are pulling together to not only help improve program delivery systems, research and resource sharing but health and fitness promotions as well.
The new AAHPERD partnership program called Action for Healthy Kids encourages the development of new school wellness policies, new opportunities supporting good physical activities and sound nutrition awareness. This partnership was created in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The Game On program is an all-inclusive fun event for adults, parents and children and is designed to help all ages to enjoy physical activities together.
Another strong partnership with CDC is the Walk or Bike to School program. The Walk to School program has caught on across the country and has become an international activity as well.
Walk 4Life, has also become a popular program nationwide supported by AAHPERD. Passport to Play is yet another national program that has become popular internationally. It has resulted in a worldwide Day of Play for young and old.
By recognizing AAHPERD we recognize them as a true national leader. It is hoped that all NAHF state council members will step forward and take advantage of the opportunity to create a strong partnership with their associations. AAHPERD is with out a doubt a national leader we should look to as partners in the field of health and fitness. They have many resources to offer us. Since their start in 1885 they have never stopped being a national leader in our field. Tonight we recognize an organization that has been a leader in the field and will continue to fit this role in the future as well.