https://www.prlog.org/12585541-meb-keflezighi-named-as-2016-recipient-of-the-aktiv-against-cancer-award.html
Meb Keflezighi Named As 2016 Recipient of the AKTIV Against Cancer Award
Olympian, marathon champion, philanthropist to be honored during the
2016 TCS New York City Marathon Week
NEW YORK - Sept. 8, 2016 - PRLog -- AKTIV Against Cancer, the
organization co-founded by legendary runner Grete Waitz, today
announced that Olympian, philanthropist and champion marathoner, Meb
Keflezighi, will be the recipient of the second annual AKTIV Against
Cancer Award, which will be presented at a ceremony during the 2016
TCS New York City Marathon week on November 1st at the historic New
York Athletic Club. The luncheon will feature speakers including last
year's recipient, Mary Wittenberg, Global CEO of Virgin Sport, and
George Hirsch, Chairman of New York Road Runners (NYRR) among others.
Supported by corporate sponsors such as Adidas, Tiffany and Co. and
Polar, the Tiffany crafted award was created to honor the legacy of
nine-time New York City Marathon Champion and Norwegian running
superstar Grete Waitz. AKTIV Against Cancer was founded by Waitz and
current Executive Director Helle Aanesen in Norway in 2007. After
donating more than $14M and helping to create thirteen physical
activity centers in cancer treatment facilities throughout Norway,
AKTIV Against Cancer established its official presence in the United
States in 2014 and is now supporting groundbreaking work in exercise
oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. AKTIV Against
Cancer has committed to funding $1.3 million towards the research of
Dr. Lee Jones at MSK.
"It is truly an honor to accept this award and support AKTIV Against
Cancer," Keflezighi said. "The path that Grete carved as an athlete
and leader for so many causes was so amazing and I am proud to assist
in helping her legacy in any way I can."
"Meb is a hero to millions around the world not just because of his
success as a marathoner, but because of his drive to make the world a
better place for all," Helle Aanesen said. "We are honored to be able
to have him accept the award this year, and look forward to working
with him well into the future."
Widely acclaimed as one of the greatest runners of our time, Meb
Keflezighi brings a higher meaning to "going the distance." From his
arrival in America as an immigrant from Eritrea to his victorious
finish at the emotionally charged 2014 Boston Marathon—now as a proud
and patriotic American—Meb has secured not only his place in history,
but also in the hearts and minds of millions. Meb is the only athlete
in history to win the New York Marathon, the Boston Marathon and an
Olympic Medal—impressive feats for someone who had never run a mile
until middle school. In 2015, Meb was named by Runner's World Magazine
as "the most influential person in Running". A graduate of the
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), his record also includes
four NCAA championships, 23 National Championships and a place on four
United States Olympic teams. Meb's real victory lies in balancing a
healthy, active life that emphasizes education, community and a strong
moral fabric. Today, Meb resides in San Diego with his wife Yordanos
and their three daughters, where they are surrounded by his large and
supportive family. In between training, competing and making personal
appearances, he oversees the MEB (Maintaining Excellent Balance)
Foundation, which is committed to promoting youth health, education
and fitness.
ABOUT AKTIV Against Cancer
AKTIV Against Cancer works to ensure that physical activity will
become part of cancer treatment. We support cutting edge research on
the benefits of exercise for the prevention and treatment of cancer,
as well as the creation of fitness programs and facilities in cancer
treatment centers. AKTIV Against Cancer was founded by 9-time NYC
Marathon Champion and Norwegian running superstar Grete Waitz and
current Executive Director Helle Aanesen in Norway in 2007. After
among other having opened thirteen (13) physical activity centers in
cancer hospitals throughout Norway, AKTIV Against Cancer established
its official presence in the United States in 2014. AKTIV Against
Cancer has committed to funding $ 1.3 million towards cutting edge
exercise oncology research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Contact for Weinstein Carnegie: Joe Favorito/917-566-8345/joefavorito2_at_gmail.com
Contact
Joe Favorito
Received on Thu Sep 08 2016 - 21:31:52 EDT