For Immediate Release:
September 14, 2005

For More Information, Contact:
Janet Franz, Vice Chair
wordsmithproductions@earthlink.net
(802) 985-9929, cell (802) 238-8182

Vermonter Named Leader in Fitness and Sports

Montpelier - The Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports recently named Duxbury resident Michael Feulner the 2005 Vermont Leader in Fitness and Sports. The award recognizes individuals who have given freely of their time to promote fitness and sports in Vermont and serve as an example of a fit and healthy lifestyle.

Feulner has served on the Vermont Corporate Cup Challenge and State Agency Race committee from its inception 23 years ago and has served as Race Director for the past 13 years. During his tenure as Race Director the Corporate Cup has attracted more than 1,700 Vermonters each year and has generated more than $70,000 in revenue for the Vermont Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. The funds are used to promote and develop physical fitness activities throughout the state.

Feulner also served as a member of the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports for the past 13 years. He held a variety of positions on the council, including an 11-year run as Vice Chair. In the early 1990s Feulner chaired the Governor's Council Low Income Subcommittee, for which he helped obtain funds from the Reebok Corporation to conduct research specific to low income and physical activity.

During the past six years, Feulner has also served on the board of the National Association for Health and Fitness (NAHF), the national network for State Governors' health and fitness councils. In 2002 NAHF named Feulner "Member of the Year." He has been Vice President of NAHF for 4 years and will continue to serve in that post.

In 2003 Feulner incorporated the Vermont Coalition for the Promotion of Physical Activity. He is in the process of obtaining a 501c3, nonprofit status from the IRS.

These are activities that Feulner participates in during his "free" time, because he cares deeply about the health and fitness of his neighbors in Vermont and feels strongly about encouraging people to be active. During the workweek, Feulner is Social Services Supervisor with the Department for Children and Families.