The Highly Successful and Celebratory 2007 FAHPERDS Conference “Got in The Game” November 1-3, in Orlando, FL

Parkland, FL, December 03, 2007 --(PR.com)-- The 2007 Florida Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Dance & Sport (FAHPERDS) conference provided a great opportunity for Physical Education, Health, Dance and Sport educators from all over Florida to gather and be treated to informative lectures and presentations from outstanding national speakers. This year’s theme was “Get in the Game” and more than 1200 participants did just that.

For those interested in or concerned about the legal issues involved with teaching physical activity, athletics and coaching, FAHPERDS welcomed to the 2007 Conference program Annie Clement, PhD., JD., past-president of the National Association of Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). Dr Clement is nationally recognized for her texts Law in Sport and Physical Activity, Legal Responsibility in Aquatics, and Teaching Physical Activity. She is a regular presenter at numerous state and national sport management and sport law conferences. Her area of expertise is Sport Law.

At the conclusion of the conference, the Alliance presented their highest award, the “Peter Everett Honor Award” to Dr. Hollie Newnam, of Port Orange, Program Coordinator and an accomplished Past President, for the significant body of work contributed to the organization over many years of service; and “The Legislative Accomplishment Award” to Senators Lee Constantine, (R), District 22, Altamonte Springs and Will Weatherford, (R), District 61, Wesley Chapel in recognition of their outstanding support

This year’s conference was held at the Caribe Royale Suites in Orlando. “A wonderful facility for a conference such as ours, requiring a combination of large activity and intimate lecture spaces.” said Dr Karen J. Dowd, Executive Director of FAHPERDS, with quiet satisfaction. Dr Dowd was the chief architect of the conference, which has been in planning since the beginning of the year. “We had more than 1250 participants who enjoyed a record number of exhibits, displaying the latest in equipment, publications, technology and curricula. The conference demonstrated our profession is very excited about a bright future and our alliance is growing stronger. Most importantly though, we all recognize that we owe a great deal to Governor Crist and the Legislators who initiated and supported the Physical Education Bill. His signing of the Bill results in 150 minutes of PE mandated per week per child in Florida’s public schools, from Grade “K” to Grade 5, getting them physically active, learning to make healthy lifestyle and nutritional choices, and actively addressing the problem of childhood obesity in Florida. Our members appreciate what they did for Florida’s children.”

The Florida Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Dance and Sport, (FAHPERDS) is a non profit organization with over 1500 members engaged in health, physical education, dance, sport and educational leadership since 1919. The FAHPERD is Florida's state professional organization, affiliated with national and regional associations; the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) and the Southern District AAHPERD. The Florida Alliance works closely with the Department of Education, voluntary agencies, universities and related associations to strengthen programs and professionals and addresses physical activity and health programs for children.

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