Sunday, January 28, 2007 11:34 PM

76th Annual AAU Sullivan Awards
New York Athletic Club, NY NY.
April 12, 2006

At the beautiful and historic New York Athletic Club, the prestigious JAMES E. SULLIVAN AWARD was presented to J.J. Redick, Duke University Mens College Basketball player.

He was selected from a group of his peers which included: Seimone Augustus,Womens Basketball player, Reggie Bush, College Football player, Kerron Clement, Sprinter and Hurdler, Matt Leinart , College Football player, Steven Lopez, Taekwondo Champion, Chellsie Memmel, Artistic Gymnast, Bode Miller, Alpine Skiing Champion, Laura Wilkerson, Diving, and Vince Young, College Football player.

Five hundred thousand votes on USA helped determine the winner of this award, which was established in 1930 by the AAU to honor its namesake, one of the founders of the Amateur Athletic Union, and served as its President from 1906-1908.

Mr. Sullivan was also a member of the NY Athletic Club. Raymond G. Lumpp, Athletic Director of the club and its oldest employee said "we are thrilled to honor this award and see so many women selected as finalists".  The Club allowed women members in 1986. Mr. Lumpp continued, " and we are proud to have them".

The ceremony was emceed by  Al Trautwig the voice for the New York Rangers. Mr Robert F.Geary the Vice President of The New York Atheletic Club Made remarks,and Ray Field, Ex- Dallas Cowboy’s Player was the Speaker of the night,he told the five finalist’s in attendance,  as well as the audience,about he became a professional NFL, player and the Struggles he had to go through to get to the level,which was a wonderful touching speech he delivered.

As the emcee  introduced each finalist, we heard many thank you’s. Steven Lopez World Taekwondo,champion when to say if it was not for his brother Jean motivating him that he probably would not of been involved in this sport,and he also went onto say he and his other 2 siblings went on to with all the championships in one night,which was a historical night for the family.

J.J. Redick,, surrounded by his mother said "I am very honored". I thank all the finalists, and thank you.

Each athlete graciously signed a poster with each winner's photo.  At least one hundred men, women and children gathered at the lovely reception to shake hands with the athletes and get their poster signed. Sarah and Emily Hughes Olympic skating champions were on hand to support the cause.
Arranged by John Hodges, Director of Sponsorship, the evening included videos of each athlete in competition.

Afterwards with snacks and toasts the guests mingled with the athletes on the veranda on a beautiful Spring evening.

We at Liberty News Online Magazine would like to thank Mr. John Hodges Director of Sponsorship for the Amateur Athletic Union, for his kind invitation. Mr. Hodges, along with his staff, most professionally handled the planning and undertaking of this event. Anyone wishing more information regarding the Sullivan Awards, or the Amateur Athletic Union, may visit their official website at http://aausports.org/default.asp.

Lidia Vita and Betty Coker are known as "The Dynamic Duo". The reason or this is they both work well hand-in-hand. They will cover trade shows, e.g. World Famous ENK shows, Fame shows, computer technology expos, gift shows and other trade shows and expos to educate you folks on how you can attend them, and give you exclusive, in-depth interviews with the vendors and the people behind these trade shows and the new products on the market. They will also educate you about different cultures and festivities. If you are interested in having the dynamic duo write about your festival or trade show, or have any comments or suggestions for them, please feel free to email them at dynamicduo@hadofnyc.org, or telephone them at our hotline, at (718) 507-7616 between the hours 8:00am and 8:00pm Monday through Friday.