FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Camp Nugget Wins 2011 Tommy Wilson Grant

RESTON, VA, March 31, 2011 - The Camp Nugget Summer Physical Activity Program for Children with Disabilities, in Long Beach, California, has been named a winner of the 2011 Tommy Wilson Grant. The award, given by the American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation (AAPAR), honors Tommy Wilson, who was born with cerebral palsy and passed away in 1974 at the age of 16. It was set up by Dr. George T. Wilson and his wife, Irene, in memory of their son.

"We're so pleased to be making this contribution to Camp Nugget" says Mariah Burton Nelson, the AAPAR executive director. "AAPAR is committed to promoting recreational opportunities for people with disabilities, in keeping with the wishes of Tommy Wilson's family." 

Camp Nugget, founded in 1970, has a long successful record of providing essential physical activity recreational community service to children with disabilities. It provides these children quality physical activity instruction, at an affordable price, in order to promote a healthy lifestyle. In addition, the program provides valuable training and teaching experiences for university students who are studying in the Adapted PE program. 

The $500 grant will be used to waive the cost of the registration fee for several teenagers or young adults accepted into the Junior Counselor program. These university students are expected to graduate and go on to serve children with disabilities in the public schools throughout California.

###

Contact:
Mariah Burton Nelson
mnelson@aahperd.org
703-476-3430

AAPAR, one of 5 national associations that make up the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD), serves more than 8,600 professors, teachers, trainers, and community leaders who promote meaningful physical activity and recreation across the lifespan. AAPAR advocates fitness and fun for every body, with a focus on inclusive community based programs.

AAHPERD, an alliance of five national associations, six district associations, and a Research Consortium, provides its members with a comprehensive and coordinated array of resources, support, and programs to help practitioners improve their skills to further the health and well-being of the American public. It is the largest organization of professionals involved in physical education, recreation, fitness, dance, health promotion and all specialties related to achieving an active, healthy lifestyle. AAHPERD serves 20,000 members and has its headquarters in Reston, Virginia, 25 miles west of Washington DC. To learn more, visit www.aahperd.org.