The Vermont Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports awards program recognizes Vermont individuals, organizations and employers that have made outstanding contributions to physical fitness and sports.

At a ceremony this fall, Governor Jim Douglas presented the 2008 awards and meet with citizens and employers who participated.

In this 14th year of the awards, we changed the timing of the application deadline and awards to coincide with a new, statewide Work Site Wellness conference held in fall 2008. Conference partners included this council, the Vermont Department of Health and Vermont employers. The conference was a resounding success and it gave work site managers a more extensive opportunity to share best practices and learn about the many resources for achieving a vigorous workforce.

2008 Vermont Awards for Work Site Wellness,
Physical Fitness & Sports

In 2008, Governor Jim Douglas joined the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports in presenting awards to six individuals and 48 employers! The awards honor employers that support staff access to physical fitness activities and promote good health on and off the job.

Click here to download the 2008 Vermont Awards Recipients Program Book (PDF download)

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Sharing Best Practices Physically fit people are more productive, happier and emotionally invested in their careers and leisure activities. We all benefit when the people who bring us goods and services are healthy and feel good. To that end, we encourage all Vermont employers to share great ideas and best practices for promoting health and fitness. Read more >

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Past Winners

Allen Sher Council Member Award

2006 winner: Janet Franz, Shelburne, writer and fitness instructor

2002 winner: Marjorie Bowin

2001 winner: Emina Burak

The Allen Sher Award honors a member of the Vermont Governor's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports for outstanding service to the Council.

Allen Sher is credited as the driving force that led to the creation of the Council in 1980, and served as a member until his move to North Carolina in 1990. His work as Chairman of the Special Projects committee led to the first "Walkin' Vermont" festival in Middlebury. He was one of the founders of the Green Mountain State Games.

Herb Painter Volunteer Award

2006 winner: Lisa Marie Donohue, Wallingford, Thrive Center of the Green Mountains

2002 winner: Michael Lannon

2001 winner: Ralph Swenson

The Herb Painter Award honors a dedicated Vermont citizen for outstanding effort in the promotion of physical fitness and sports. These efforts must be done on a voluntary basis, not related to employment.

Herb Painter will long be remembered for his activities as a Williston town father, beekeeper, skater, cyclist, and community activist. He was a member of the Steering Committee for the Green Mountain State Games until his death in 1989.

Ray Sparks Professional Award

2006 winner: Steve Lulek, Rutland, Green Mountain Rock Climbing Center and Vermont Adventure Tours

2002 winner: Declan D. J. Connolly

2001 winner: Gail Jette

The Ray Sparks Award honors an individual for outstanding contributions to physical fitness in a professional capacity.

Ray Sparks' career in physical education will long be remembered by all of those whose lives he touched. Ray was a member of the Council for several years until his death in 1988. As a member of the Green Mountain Senior Games Steering Committee, he developed the first fitness test to be administered to Vermont seniors. He also developed a fitness test for Vermont schools.

Vermont Leaders Award

2006 winner: Andrea Sisino, Burlington, Run Vermont

2005 Winner: Michael Feulner.

2002 winners: Larry Kimball, Carlie Geer, Ethan Allen Sims, Ed Kusiak, James Rosen

2001 winners: Hannelore Boerner, Gardiner Lane, Dave Jacobowitz, Nancy Heydinger, George Plumb, Bob Northrop

The Vermont Leaders Award honors individuals and organizations that have contributed to physical fitness and sports in Vermont.

Criteria for selection:

At least four years of involvement with fitness and sports as a Vermont resident. Has given freely of their time to promote fitness and sports. Serves as an example for others.