FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Dr. Leroy Fanning Winner of 2011 Ambassador Award

March 31, 2011 

Reston, VA –Dr. Leroy Fanning has been named winner of the 2011 Ambassador Award, given by the American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation (AAPAR). 

Dr. Fanning, a University of Tennessee-Chatanooga professor, is an active member of AAPAR's Board of Directors. He has been diligent in his service to the physical education community and has been the recipient of the American Alliance for Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD's) distinguished R. Tait McKenzie Honor Award as well as the Presidential Award given by the National Association of Girls and Women in Sports. He has served as a tournament director and senior sport manager for USA basketball during the 1996 Olympics and was also a tournament coordinator for several AAU/USA girls' basketball national championships.

"Leroy is being recognized for his long service as AAPAR's Membership Committee Chair," 2010 AAPAR President Dr. Richard LaRue says. "He is a quiet leader who brings a spirit and love for AAPAR to all Alliance members."

Introduced in 2010, the Ambassador Award honors AAPAR members who personify outstanding leadership and who advocate for physical activity and recreation.

Dr. Fanning specializes in the area of sports management, sociology and psychology of sport. He is a contributing author to five textbooks and over 25 journal articles. He is active in fitness having finished in the top 15 in the Masters Division at the 1983 World Triathlon Championships (Ironman) as well as having qualified for and completed in ten Boston Marathons.

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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.