The 30th Annual Dick Lugar Fitness Festival
September 13, 2008

Join Senator Lugar for the 30th Annual Dick Lugar Community Run, Walk & Health Fair on Saturday, September 13, 2008, at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Health Fair is from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Hinkle Fieldhouse on Butler's campus.

The 5K run starts at 8:00 a.m., the 5K racewalk starts at 8:05 a.m. and the 10K run starts at 8:45 a.m. All of the races begin in front of Hinkle Fieldhouse on 49th Street.

To register for the run, visit Tuxedo Brothers website

Additionally, the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis will offer healthy kids activities for children 10 and under on the Butler track from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

At 10:30 a.m., Eric Halvorson of WISH-TV 8 will emcee the awards ceremony and Senator Lugar will present the Ray Sears Health and Fitness Award. This award recognizes and honors Hoosiers from across the state who have made outstanding contributions to their communities in health, fitness awareness and education. Nominees for the award may be volunteers or professionals. To nominate someone, please complete the form below. The deadline for nominations is September 4, 2008. Please cal Senator Lugar's Indianapolis Office with any questions, (317) 226-5555.

Dick Lugar Health and Fitness Award

An annual highlight of the Lugar Fitness Festival is the presentation of the Dick Lugar Health and Fitness Award, given in memory of Senator Lugar's friend, Ray Sears.  The Dick Lugar Health and Fitness Award was originally established in 1984 as the Vitae Bone Award to honor professionals and volunteers from across Indiana who have made outstanding contributions to their communities in promoting fitness and health awareness and education.   In 1990, the Vitae Bone Award was renamed the Ray Sears Award for Good Health and Good Living, and in 1997 it became known as the Dick Lugar Health and Fitness Award Given in Memory of Ray Sears. 

Ray Sears, holder of the 1934 record for the indoor two-mile, was a track and field coach at Butler University for four years.  In his tenure on President Reagan's Council on Physical Fitness, Governor Bowen's Council on Fitness, as a coach at Marion High School, and as a boy scout leader, Mr. Sears shared the Senator's appreciation for good health and fitness.  Although he passed away in April of 1989, his enthusiasm and dedication to good health lives on in all the lives he touched.  In honor of Ray Sears' life and commitment to physical fitness and health, Senator Lugar will once again present the Dick Lugar Health and Fitness Award during the awards ceremony following the Dick Lugar Community Run & Walk on Saturday morning, September 13, 2008.

Recipients of the award are chosen by a selection committee.  Each year, the committee receives many nominations from around Indiana, applauding professionals and volunteers whose dedication and commitment to fitness and health awareness enrich their communities.  Through teaching, encouraging and exemplifying healthy lifestyles, these Hoosiers offer an enduring legacy to the individuals they help.

Nominations are due by COB, Thursday, September 4, 2008

Award recipients are invited to attend the Award ceremony held Saturday, September 13, 2008 at the Hinkle Fieldhouse at Butler University.  Senator Lugar will present the award and stand for a photo with each recipient.  If possible, you may wish to notify your nominee to reserve this date in order to attend.