Molly Quinn, Executive Director of ACHIEVE Kids Tri Inc, the not-for-profit organisation that provides triathlon training and fitness programs for kids, has been selected by the US President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition (PCFSN) to receive a 2011 PCFSN Community Leadership Award.
The award is given annually to individuals who improve the lives of individuals within their community by providing or enhancing opportunities to engage in sports, physical activities, fitness or nutrition-related programs.
In partnership with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), ACHIEVE takes kids through a six-week instruction and fitness training program, provided free of charge, and monitored by USA Triathlon-certified coaches. The ACHIEVE program helps kids master the fundamentals of swimming, cycling, running and triathlon racing, as well as the essentials of proper nutrition, stretching, strength-training and flexibility.
The ACHIEVE program concludes each season with a timed short-course triathlon race, certified and sanctioned by USA Triathlon (USAT).
Since 2007, the program has expanded to Houston, Texas; Waterbury Connecticut; and Atlanta, Georgia.
“It is our pleasure to present this award to Molly Quinn,” said Shellie Pfohl, Executive Director of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition. “Physical activity and good nutrition are important components of living a healthy lifestyle, and we are pleased to recognize individuals like Ms. Quinn who are committed to making a difference and positively influencing the health of their communities.”
Commenting on the award, Quinn said “We believe this program is a great example of the types of partnerships that are proliferating across the nation in response to the Obama Administration and First Lady Michelle Obama’s vision to promote health, fitness and nutrition for the nation’s young people.
“Through the ACHIEVE program we hope to give young people, especially those from under-privileged backgrounds, the head start that will take them on a path of fitness and healthy living that will last their lifetime.”
This year, the President’s Council presented the Community Leadership Award to 38 individuals across the US for making sports, physical activity, fitness, and nutrition-related programs available in their communities.
The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition (PCFSN) promotes healthy lifestyles through fitness, sports and nutrition programs and initiatives that educate, engage and empower all Americans. PCFSN is a committee of volunteer citizens appointed by the President who serve in an advisory capacity through the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
ACHIEVE Kids Tri is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(3) organization that was founded in 2007 with the support of Washington, D.C.’s former mayor, Adrian Fenty, an avid triathlete, and the DC Department of Parks and Recreation. ACHIEVE events are produced by Washington Sports & Event Management LLC, producer of The Nation’s Triathlon and the Washington DC Triathlon. Sponsors and partners for ACHIEVE include the Washington DC Triathlon, Atlantic Services Group Inc, Giant Bicycles, Height Analytics, The Bike Lane, The Bike Rack, Cycle Life USA, Washington Hilton, U-Haul, Xterra Wetsuits and USA Triathlon.
www.fitness.gov
www.presidentschallenge.org
www.achievekidstri.org
