National Council of Youth Sports -
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Published on: 11/6/2006
Last Visited: 11/6/2006
HART SHOWS HEART AMID RECOGNITION ASHOMETOWN HERO IN NATIONAL AWARDS PROGRAM
IndySpeed founder teaches kids the value of sport and life skills
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana. (September 21, 2006) - Against all odds, and through breast cancer treatment, Cindi Hart continues to be a competitor and a role model coach to young athletes.Everyday Hart demonstrates to young speed skaters and cyclists that "all obstacles can be overcome" with a positive attitude, attainable goal setting, courage and resilience through adversity.
It is for this reason that Hart was selected by the National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS) as the recipient of the 2006 Hershey's STRIVE National Coach of the Year Award.
Hart is a successful cyclist and speedskater.She founded the IndySpeed Sports Club which focuses on Olympic cycling and speedskating.Hart integrated Special Olympics Indiana athletes into the IndySpeed Sports Club.This move gave the Special Olympics athletes a sense of membership and accomplishment and an expanded social outlet.It also gave the IndySpeed athletes a look at diversity, helping them adapt to their differences, as well as enjoy these special people as individuals.
Hart's expertise and ability to bring out the best in her student athletes has taught athletes of all levels the life skills of compassion, perseverance and discipline.
"Cindi Hart is an inspiration to young and old alike as well as a great example of someone helping to make the world a better place," says one of her nominators Cynthia Nicks.
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Hart will be honored on Saturday, October 21st during the Special Olympics Indiana Fall Classic.The STRIVE event is hosted by the NCYS and The Hershey Company.During the celebration, Hart will receive a check for $2,500, which she has announced will be donated to the IndySpeed Sports Club.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: For more information about Cindi Hart, the Hershey's STRIVE Award or NCYS, please contact Sally S. Johnson, NCYS Executive Director at 772-781-1452 or youthsports@ncys.org.