Leadership in Disability Sport, Adapted Physical Education, & Therapeutic Recreation.

The Spring, 1991, issue of PALAESTRA paid tribute to fifteen well deserving individuals for having spent the majority of their professional lives giving leadership within the area of adapted physical activity--sport, physical education, and recreation. The 1991 class of leaders set a standard paralleled by few others and included David M. Auxter, G. Lawrence Rarick, Julian U. Stein, Thomas M. Vodola, and Janet A. Wessel in adapted physical education; Charles E. Buell, Jerald M. Jordan, Benjamin H. Lipton, Timothy J. Nugent, and Eunice Kennedy Shriver in sport; and Fred Humphrey, Ira Hutchison, Gerald O'Morrow, Janet Pomeroy, and Jean R. Tague in therapeutic recreation.

This issue of PALAESTRA, along with the upcoming summer and fall issues, is likewise dedicated to highlighting significant contributions of leaders in the areas of disability sport, adapted physical education, and therapeutic recreation. Fourteen leaders have been selected based on significant contributions they have made to their respective fields, and because they are recognized nationally and internationally for major achievements throughout their distinguished careers.

PALAESTRA is honoring these leaders to--

* recognize and pay tribute to professionals who have achieved excellence in their fields of endeavor;

* provide current professionals with role models to help guide their future pursuits in developing philosophy, theoretical thinking, research, programs, teaching, and/or service to individuals with disabilities;

* create an accurate record of professional achievement, thus enabling future generations to reflect upon these leaders and their contributions.

Accomplishments and contributions of this generation of professional leaders are numerous--specifically they have ...

... influenced federal regulations;

... executed federal grants;

... founded national and international organizations;

... conducted research to support the theoretical foundations of their professions;

... published numerous articles, texts, magazines, or monographs;

... made myriad professional presentations;

... networked with many local, national, and international organizations to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities;

... nurtured development of the next generation of leaders.

Following will be biographical sketches of fourteen individuals selected by three ad hoc committees for PALAESTRA, each presented by a professional who knows and has worked closely with his/her particular leader. The staff of PALAESTRA believes the legacy of those being honored will serve as an inspiration to peers and colleagues and to the next generation of professionals to excel and make its own unique contributions. The honorees are dedicated individuals, each committed to the highest levels of excellence, truly exemplary role models.

In this issue, four leaders in disability sport are honored. Leaders in adapted physical education and leaders in therapeutic recreation will be honored in the next issues of PALAESTRA. Watch for Parts 2 and 3 of this series.