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The 2010 National Fitness Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
& 5th Annual “Don of Sports” Awards Dinner
presented by
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“Fitness Legends Gather for Memorable Occasion"
March 14, 2010
Many legendary fitness professionals were on hand to help celebrate the 5th anniversary of the National Fitness Hall of Fame’s Induction Ceremony as nearly 200 people packed the Shiners’ banquet facility in Addison, IL on the 14th of March.
John Figarelli, executive director said, “I am both proud and honored to bring together so many quality fitness professionals and have the Hall of Fame recognize their wonderful careers.
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In attendance were Bill Pearl, Fred Schutz, Terry Todd, Ph.D, David P. Webster, Esther Gutierrez-Sloan, Melissa Orth Fray, Dr. Joseph C. Maroon, MD and Forbes Riley. (Dr. Bob Delmonteque was unable to attend because of illness).
One audience member proclaimed, “This year's event was EXCELLENT in every respect! The venue, the menu and all the fine people you brought together all added up to a most memorable experience.”
Dr. Bob Goldman, 2006 HOF inductee, helped co-host the event and present Bill Pearl, five-time Mr. Universe and the most widely traveled Mr. America with the this year’s “Lifetime Achievement Award.” The always helpful, Del Reddy received the “Volunteer of the Year” Award.
For the past five years, the HOF event was held in conjunction with the “Don of Sports” Awards Dinner. This year, Don Figarelli honored Addison resident, Rick Aiello and Joliet native, Francis “Rudy” Ruettiger. At the end of the evening, an attendee commented, “I had a ball, thank you so much for everything!”
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| NFHOF's 2010 Volunteer of the Year, Del Reddy on stage with M/C Don Figarelli. |
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| Living Legend, Bill Pearl (left) receives the NFHOF's "Lifetime Achievement Award" from co-host, Dr. Bob Goldman, MD (2006 HOF Inductee). |
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Bill Pearl Receives the NFHOF's
"Lifetime Achievement Award"
Bill was born in 1930 in Prineville, Oregon; however, because of the depression, the Pearl family was on the move a great deal and finally settled in Yakima, Washington.
From an early age Bill had an intense desire to be strong and well built. He was quite a stocky kid and interested in sports. He played softball, ran track, was on the school swimming team and played football. There were two particular sports in which he made rapid progress: wrestling and bodybuilding. In 1950 Bill entered the U.S. Navy and was eventually stationed in San Diego, California, where he joined Leo Stern's Gym. He entered his first physique contest in 1952 and placed third in the Mr. San Diego contest. Come 1953 and Bill Pearl took the physique world by storm winning the Mr. Oceanside, Mr. Southern California, Mr. California, Mr. America and Mr. Universe titles all in one year.
After competition, Bill was in constant demand as a guest poser. He also had a fabulous strength act which included blowing up hot water bottles until they would burst, spike bending, chain breaking, and tearing auto license plates in half with his bare hands.
Bill opened several health clubs and gyms and for many years he was a consultant for Life Fitness helping to educate the public about the numerous benefits of exercise training.
Bill and his wife Judy, moved to Southern Oregon, where they found their ideal haven in a healthful, clean environment, overlooking the beautiful Rogue Valley. The climate and their wonderful neighbors suit them perfectly, while the surrounding hills and the valley provide them with a deep sense of peace and tranquility when they are at home. Bill still gets up regularly at 3:00 a.m. to train six days a week and enjoys working on his antique automobiles in his spare time
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