Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Wheelchair racer promotes health during stop in Prescott

Kevin Saunders, a former world champion and Paralympic wheelchair athlete was in Prescott Friday as part of his "Big Push".

The Big Push is Saunders's tour of America from Canada to Mexico. He is literally wheeling himself from the northern border of America to its southern border. The trip began on June 14 and will cover about 2,000 miles before arriving at the finish, Laredo, Texas.

His reason for making the trip is simple  to make people aware of the dangers of obesity and try to get them thinking about healthier lifestyles.

Saunders was injured in a grain elevator explosion in south Texas. The explosion left him paralyzed from the chest down. The rehabilitation required exhaustive exercise, but he proved to be more than up to the challenge.

From lying in a hospital bed he worked his way to becoming a world class athlete. His training regimen and determination led to his qualifying for the U.S. Olympic team for the Seoul, South Korea games, and again in Barcelona, Spain.

His "Health and Fitness Tour of America" is operated by the non-profit Kevin Saunders Health and Fitness Foundation, and is supported by donations. Profits generated by corporate sponsorships will be donated to the YMCA of the USA, the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.

Saunders was the first person with a disability to be appointed to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. This was done under President George H.W. Bush.

Saunders averages between 50-70 miles per day, stopping at different communities to talk to residents about healthy living and the choices they make with their diets. He meets with state and local leaders talking with them about promoting healthy lifestyles and launching community-based health and fitness programs.

While in town, Saunders presented Prescott Mayor Howard Taylor with a plaque for the city's efforts in promoting good health. One such example is the walking/jogging track by the old Nevada County Health Unit. When work on the track is completed, it will be about 5/8 of a mile around with lights providing safety for those who walk at night.

"I want to inspire people to get fit," he said. "If I can do it paralyzed from the chest down, anyone can do it. Fitness is for everyone."

Saunders is in the process of writing a book, "Nation at War", about his war on obesity. In it he gives tips on how to live and eat healthier. He suggests staying away from highly processed foods and eating natural foods, especially fruits and vegetables. The book will also contain information about fats and carbohydrates.

For several years Saunders worked with the Kansas State football team. While there, an award was named in his honor  the Kevin Saunders Never Give Up Award. It is presented to the athlete who best exemplifies the attitude of pushing forward and never quitting, no matter what.

From Prescott, Saunders wheeled to Hope, finishing the day in Texarkana.

Anyone interested in more information about Saunders and his foundation, can write to: Kevin Saunders Health and Fitness Foundation, 105 Westpark Drive, Suite 400, Brentwood, Tenn 37027, or call 615-377-6116. Saunders's web site is: www.healthandfitnesstour.com