News Release
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 26, 2004 |
Contact: HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343 |
President's Challenge Awards Made to Two Participants
"Mentor/Mentee" Approach Provides Personal Attention
for Young Americans with Disabilities
The Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) was presented today to two young women who earned the award through a new "mentor/mentee" approach to assist young people with disabilities in adopting physically active lifestyles.
The awards were made at the kick-off event for the "I Can Do It! You Can Do It!" initiative, led by the HHS Office on Disability. Under the initiative, more than 50 participating organizations will help pair "mentors" on physical activity and healthy nutrition with young Americans with disabilities. One goal will be to help the "mentees" earn awards sponsored by the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, including the PALA and the Presidential Champions Award.
Those presented with the PALA awards at today's ceremony were Manuela Hoyos of Coral Gables, Fla., and Juliette Rizzo of Rockville, Md. Ms. Hoyos, who uses a wheelchair for mobility, worked with mentor Andrew Houghton through Shake-A-Leg Miami to learn new exercises and be physically active at least 60 minutes a day, five days each week, the requirement for the PALA award. Ms. Rizzo, who also uses a wheelchair, worked with mentor Kirk Bauer of Disabled Sports USA. Both young women reported improved health and attitude as a result of the fitness regimen.
The awards were presented by Surgeon General Richard Carmona, M.D., and Acting HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Cristina Beato, M.D.
Awards sponsored by the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports have always been available to those with disabilities, but the new initiative will provide additional outreach to young people with disabilities and special help through the mentor relationship, said Melissa Johnson, executive director of the Council.
Those wishing to earn President's Challenge awards, including both able-bodied and persons with disabilities, can find out about criteria for earning an award and register at the President's Challenge Web site, http://www.presidentschallenge.org/
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Last Revised: May 26, 2004
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