4 November 2008

United States Sports Academy Trustee Dr. Gary Cunningham presented the 2008 Jackie Robinson Humanitarian Award to Tiger Woods at the Tiger Woods Learning Center.

Cunningham, the athletic director at the University of California, Santa Barbara and a past recipient of the Academy's Carl Maddox Sports Management Award, presented the award to golf's most celebrated champion following a meeting of the Tiger Woods Foundation Board of Governors.

Woods' selection recognizes the achievements of his foundation, which works to empower youth through critical developmental programs. The Tiger Woods Foundation has served more than 10 million young people since its start during Woods' rookie year on the Professional Golf Association (PGA) Tour.

The foundation established Tiger's Action Plan, a character development program for youth age 8-17 that addresses three priorities: character education, volunteer service and career exploration. The foundation also awards grants which, each year, benefit an average of 100 charities with nearly $6 million in support. Since 1998, the number of children affected directly and indirectly has averaged 6 million annually. Woods' foundation also supports education for youth in China, Thailand and South Korea.

The Jackie Robinson Humanitarian Award has been presented annually by the Academy since 1987 as part of the Academy's Awards of Sport Medallion Series, which pays "Tribute to the Artist and the Athlete." Past winners of the Humanitarian Award include Bill Cosby, Michael Jordan, Reggie White, Andre Agassi and Pat Tillman. For a complete list of recipients, please visit www.asama.org.

The award is presented by the Academy to an individual in sports who has demonstrated a concern for humanity, promoting human welfare and social reforms. Recipients stand out for their compassion and hope, their dedication and personal sacrifice, their grace under pressure, and their characteristic dignity.