FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2008 CONTACT:
Joey King
russell.king@hhs.gov
202-690-5181
The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Announces 2008
Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Dr. Richard Keelor
Washington, D.C. — Leading health and fitness authority Dr. Richard O. Keelor, Ph.D., is the winner of the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS). The award honors his 50 years in creating change in health promotion and physical fitness and improving lives around the world. Dr. Keelor is admired for his dedication and focus on health advocacy and leadership training.
The President’s Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award is given to individuals whose careers have greatly contributed to the advancement or promotion of physical activity, fitness, or sports nationwide. Winners are chosen by the members of the PCPFS based on the span and scope of an individual’s career, the estimated number of lives they have touched, their legacy, and the additional awards or honors received over the course of his or her career.
“We are honored to present this award to Dr. Keelor,” Council Chairman John Burke said. “We want to recognize him as someone who has made a great impact on many lives and has served as a great role model with passion for others.”
Dr. Keelor is CEO of Health Designs International, a company specializing in developing and implementing science-based health and fitness educational systems and equipment for schools, business, industry, and government agencies.
In 1972, Keelor was selected to serve as the Director of Program Development for PCPFS and held this position for 10 years. During that time, he participated in public service radio, TV spots, and testified at congressional hearings on matters related to the role of physical activity in health promotion and disease prevention.
Beyond PCPFS, Keelor has conducted more than 200 regional and national fitness clinics and has been a keynote speaker at four White House Sports Medicine Symposiums. He also served as consultant to the governments of Japan, Germany, Norway, Portugal, and Guatemala. Keelor was also a co-founder and executive director of Be Active America!, a national physical activity advocacy campaign.
This award was presented to Dr. Keelor at the PCPFS Council meeting on May 14 held in conjunction with National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.
About The Council
The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) is an advisory committee of volunteer citizens who advise the President through the Secretary of Health and Human Services about physical activity, fitness and sports in America. The Office of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is the HHS office containing the PCPFS Executive Director and support staff. Through its programs and partnerships with the public, private and nonprofit sectors, the Office of the PCPFS serves as a catalyst to promote health, physical activity, fitness and enjoyment for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities through participation in physical activity and sports. For more information about PCPFS please visit www.fitness.gov.
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