The Fit Esteem Award is awarded to people of all ages and physical ability levels who are passionate about staying fit or paying fitness forward. Winners are posted in June, September, December and March. Contact Chesna if you would like to nominate yourself or someone you know.
Award Categories:
Youth (Children and adolescents leading fit lifestyles through play, sports or general physical activity)
Inspiration (Anyone with a personal and inspirational story regarding fitness)
Empowerment (Anyone who pays fitness forward by teaching or motivating others to become or stay fit)
Announcing Gladys "Gladyator" Burrill: Inspiration
The FE Award for March goes to Gladys Burrill, a 92 year-old marathoner and the oldest woman to complete a marathon. When asked about her accomplishment and outlook on life, she remarked, "it's so important to think positive. It's easy to get discouraged and be negative," she said. "It makes such a difference in how you feel and your outlook on everything." Read full story
Announcing Jashaun Agosto: Youth
The FE Award for December goes to Jashaun Agosto who was 11 years old when KOMO TV 4 first ran this story. Today, the 14 year-old is just as passionate about b-ball and has surrounded himself with an impressive support team of NBA players, college players and trainers.
Announcing Amy Palmiero-Winters: Inspiration
The FE Award for September goes to Amy Palmiero-Winters, a 38 year-old marathoner and mother of two. At the age of 21, the lower half of Palmiero-Winter's left leg was amputated as a result of a motorcylce accident. But she has not allowed her amputation to quell her love of running. To date, she has several notable accomplishments under her belt including the 2010 ESPN ESPY Award for the Best female Disabled Athlete in the world; qualification for placement on Team USA at the IAU Ultrarunning World Championships in which she finished 14 miles ahead of the first able-bodied man and 37 miles ahead of the next woman; and the 2009 Sullivan Award as the Amateur Athlete of the Year, respectively.
Announcing Dr. Zibin Guo: Empowerment
The FE Award for June goes to Dr. Zibin Guo, a tai chi master and medical anthropologist from the University of Tennessee. Dr. Guo developed a seated version of tai chi designed specifically for wheelchair-dependent individuals. Although Dr. Guo (pictured above) does not need a wheelchair for mobility, he uses one to teach his seated tai chi techniques.
Tai chi can be adapted to suit anyone and is practiced by millions to alleviate stress and improve overall health. According to Chinese medicine, illness results from blocked energy or "chi." Tai chi exercises entail a series of gentle movements performed continuously that promote the flow of chi throughout the body. Tai chi is known as "meditation in motion" because of its emphasis on relaxation and the mind-body connection.