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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

PCSFN Hero Award

The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition (PCSFN) Hero Award celebrates high profile individuals (i.e., influencers) who champion sports, physical activity, fitness, or nutrition and amplify messages that support the Council’s mission to broad audiences. This award honors up to 20 individuals. To stay up to date, sign up for email updates.

Selection Criteria

Factors considered in the selection process include: 

  • Alignment with PCSFN mission to promote healthy eating and physical activity for all people,
    regardless of background or ability
  • Reach of the individual’s work as defined by presence and attention on outreach networks and platforms and demonstration of novel approaches to reach more than one community
  • Approach to innovation to fill gaps within their domain and reach those who aren’t being reached through other efforts
  • Sphere of influence, including quantitative and qualitative descriptions of impact or change made as a result of the nominee’s efforts 

2024 PCSFN Hero Awardees

  • Brian Dauenhauer: Brian Dauenhauer is a professor and expert in physical education, focusing on improving the quality of PE programs in schools. His work emphasizes creating lifelong healthy habits through physical activity and education. 
  • Caree Cotwright: Dr. Caree Cotwright is a nutrition and health equity expert dedicated to improving access to healthy foods and promoting equitable health outcomes. She advocates for policies that address the root causes of food insecurity and health disparities. 
  • George Karl: George Karl is a former NBA coach who has dedicated his post-coaching career to advocating for cancer awareness and healthy living. A cancer survivor himself, he promotes fitness and health education and has been a champion for Native youth, dedicating his time to leading events for young people across the country, and leveraging his social media following to spotlight critical messaging around health and nutrition.  
  • Renata Simril: Renata Simril is the CEO of LA84 Foundation, which aims to promote youth sports and physical activity, particularly in underserved communities in Los Angeles following the 1984 Games. She is recognized for her leadership in creating opportunities for youth to engage in sports and physical fitness. 
  • Samir Becic: Samir Becic is a fitness expert and founder of the Health Fitness Revolution, an organization dedicated to promoting global health awareness through fitness education. He is known for his campaigns encouraging people to adopt healthy lifestyles through exercise and nutrition, particularly in the city of Houston where he has championed fitness education for more than a decade.  
  • Stephen C. “Christopher” Suprun Jr. and Stephen C. “Dodge” Suprun III: This father-and-son duo is dedicated to first responder health and fitness, promoting wellness programs for emergency responders. They are advocates for the mental and physical health of first responders, addressing the unique challenges of this demanding profession. 
  • Tony Reed: Tony Reed is the co-founder of the National Black Marathoners Association and is recognized for his efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion in distance running. His advocacy has helped to inspire people of color to participate in running and endurance sports. 
  • Tyler Schmitz: Tyler Schmitz is a young advocate for health and fitness who promotes active lifestyles through various community-based initiatives. His work focuses on engaging youth in sports and physical activity to foster healthier communities.