A number of organizations and events will have an extraordinary opportunity to support an initiative that will change the way cities, business leaders, government agencies and educational institutions across our nation view health and fitness.

Kevin Saunders, named “The Greatest Wheelchair Athlete in the World,” is embarking on a revolutionary tour beginning in the spring 2004 that will change America.

Through the Health & Fitness Tour of America, Kevin Saunders will take his message of motivation and inspiration across the country.

Kevin will assemble government, business, education, health and fitness leaders in 125 of our largest cities. Through these meetings or health and fitness “summits,” Kevin will present a framework that cities can use to develop or enhance a community-based health and fitness initiative. Kevin will also present a scholastic award to the school or school district in each city that exemplifies leadership in health and fitness education.

Kevin Saunders will bring to the Health & Fitness Tour of America a lifetime of personal health and fitness experience, battling from a severed spinal cord injury to become a world champion and Olympic wheelchair athlete. Kevin was the first person with a disability to be appointed to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports by President George H. Bush and he was the only Council member reappointed by President Bill Clinton. Kevin will also bring to the tour a significant network of political, business, health, fitness, and entertainment industry connections throughout the country.

The media will be a great ally in raising nation-wide awareness to the tour’s message. We expect positive media coverage in every major media market – including local and national television, radio, newspapers and magazines.

The Tour will accept four major sponsorships in addition to second-level sponsors and regional and local sponsors.

Each sponsorship level will offer specific benefits and opportunities.

All profits from the tour will be donated to the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association and the YMCA.

You are invited to be a part of the Health & Fitness Tour of America. An opportunity this extraordinary may never again be available.

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Kevin Saunders, world champion and olympic wheelchair athlete and the first disabled person to serve on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness under both President George H. Bush and President Bill Clinton, will launch a 50-state tour to motivate and inspire Americans of all ages to Shape Up!

Kevin and his “Health & Fitness Tour of America” will assemble government, business, educational, health and fitness leaders in 125 of our nation’s largest cities to establish a community-based grass-roots initiative to achieve a healthier nation - one community at a time. He will present his message to business, hospitals and schools. Kevin will also present an award to the school or school district in each city that exemplifies leadership in health and fitness.

The “Health & Fitness Tour of America” will begin in the spring of 2004 and will extend over an 18-month period.

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The worst grain elevator explosion in south Texas history changed Kevin Saunders forever. An incredible blast ripped through 2-feet thick reinforced concrete of a Corpus Christi grain elevator where Kevin was working as a federal inspector. Kevin was thrown more than 300 feet landing on a concrete parking lot.

With massive internal and external injuries including a severed spinal cord, the doctors said there was no way that Kevin Saunders would live. But with an indomitable spirit and a tenacious will to live and excel, Kevin beat the odds. During the years of recovery and rehabilitation, Kevin reminded everyone within earshot, “There’s always a way.”

Paralyzed from the chest down, Kevin’s broken body required exhaustive rehabilitation, but he was more than equal to the challenge. Kevin sought out exceptional fitness trainers to help prepare him for competition as a wheelchair athlete. “Never give up!” became his personal mantra. His unquenchable thirst for success led him to victory after victory as a wheelchair athlete. His grueling training and endless energy ultimately qualified him to represent the United States in the Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea and Barcelona, Spain.

Kevin was the first person with a disability to be appointed to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports by President George H. Bush. Kevin worked alongside Council Chairman Arnold Schwarzenegger helping teach Americans how to achieve and maintain healthier lifestyles. He was the only Council member reappointed by President Bill Clinton.

In 1990, Kevin established the Wheelchair Success Foundation that provides higher education scholarships to help persons confined to a wheelchair. In 2004, Kevin established the Kevin Saunders Health and Fitness Foundation dedicated to raising funding and awareness in support of health and fitness initiatives.

Kevin is now taking his message of inspiration and motivation across the country in his Health & Fitness Tour of America.

Click Here to learn more about Kevin's athletic accomplishments.

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Baymont Inns and Suites
www.Baymontinns.com

Baymont Inns & Suites is a limited-service chain of inns with over 190 locations in 31 states. Headquartered in Milwaukee , Wisconsin we are a division of the Marcus Corporation, a NYSE Company. Baymont Inns is a leader in providing comfort and convenience at an affordable price. Amenities such as free local phone calls, a large color TV, free voice mail for each guest, in-room coffee and a complimentary USA Today newspaper are standard. Baymont Inns offer a complimentary continental breakfast. We feature Ovations Rooms with pillow top mattress and comfortable pillows; large desk with ergonomic chair and task lamp; complimentary bottled water in the room and much more. We are growing rapidly in this new century and we are dedicated to continuing to provide excellent lodging that meets and exceeds the needs of our guests.

Hest Fitness Products
www.Hestfitness.com

For over twenty years, HEST Fitness Products has been helping individuals achieve a quality lifestyle with superior products, unsurpassed service, and a team of professionals to assist in selecting the best equipment to meet your fitness goals, budget and space. Life is full of choices...the lifestyle you choose determines the quality of life you live.

Labrada Nutrition
www.labrada.com

Labrada products are developed using an internal research team and by working with food scientists to ensure quality. Lee and his staff sample products in the making, and there is a particular emphasis on taste. The Labrada bars and shakes have recently won the Gold Medal for Taste from the American Tasting Institute and the NNFA People ' s Choice Award. Lee seals his products with his personal guarantee, and this trust between Lee and his customers has quickly established his brand as one of the most trusted names in sports nutrition.

The Roho Group
www.rohoinc.com

For nearly 30 years, ROHO has produced products using DRY FLOATATION ® technology to meet the seating and positioning needs of wheelchair users and long term care patients worldwide. By taking this revolutionary shape fitting technology a step further, The ROHO Group has expanded its efforts into the commercial vehicle and recreational seating markets.

Sunrise Medial
www.Sunrisemedical.co.uk

At Sunrise Medical our daily goal is to improve the lives of the people who use our products. When you know every effort in your day directly affects the lives of others, you become a company made up of individuals who try harder, work smarter and who have come to understand the true value of innovation. Our products are designed to promote independent and involved lifestyles. We are about abilities, and we are dedicated to quality of design and its impact on the quality of life.

Underarmour
www.underarmour.com

Under Armour was developed by athletes for athletes. We understand their needs, and the demands of competition. What began nearly a decade ago with our superior undershirt for equipment sports has evolved into six diverse gear lines to cover all seasons, climates and conditions. By employing only the finest microfiber fabrics, Under Armour has engineered the ultimate Moisture Transport System in garments that slide over your body like a second-skin to keep you cool, dry and light throughout the course of a game or workout. As the originator of the industry, Under Armour remains dedicated to new technology and is determined to enhance the performance of every athlete on every level. Lighter. Faster. Longer. Better. The advantage is undeniable .

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