WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 4, 2005 — PE4Life (http://www.pe4life.org/) has awarded its Excellence in Advocacy Award to Jean Blaydes-Madigan, a nationally known neurokinesiologist, speaker, trainer and author, for her non-stop advocacy of physical education and outstanding research linking movement and learning.

Blaydes-Madigan is a pioneer in the area of physical activity and its positive impact on brain functioning and academic achievement. She is a popular keynote speaker on how brain theory supports movement’s link to learning and stresses the importance of teaching academic subjects kinesthetically.

“Jean’s advocacy for a holistic approach to education has benefited the cause of quality physical education in general and PE4life in particular,” said Anne Flannery, President & CEO of PE4life. “Her work truly embodies the essence of the Excellence in Advocacy Award.”

Blaydes-Madigan was honored, along with other award winners, during the National PE Day Awards Dinner, held Tuesday, May 3rd in Washington, DC. The Excellence in Advocacy Award is given annually to an individual or organization that has worked tirelessly to advance the cause of physical education on the local, state or national level.

Phil Lawler, Director of the PE4life Institute in Naperville, Illinois, called Jean “one of the top 5 most influential physical education teachers in the United States.”

“Jean’s impact has been felt all over the United States and literally around the world. As we have moved the physical education model toward health and wellness in the 21st century, Jean has added a critical dimension that has taken physical education to another level: brain research,” said Lawler. “Jean has given us the information, research, and data that proves that physical activity is a critical element in a well-rounded educational model.”

About PE4life

PE4life® is a non-profit, advocacy organization dedicated to inspiring active, healthy living by advancing the development of quality, daily physical education programs for all children. Such programs provide a simple and inexpensive solution to reduce children's exposure to chronic diseases, while fostering lifelong fitness habits. PE4life® is headquartered at 810 Baltimore, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64105. Tel. 816-472-7345 http://www.pe4life.org/