D’YOUVILLE PROF HONORED BY WOMEN’S SPORTS FOUNDATION

BUFFALO – Donald F. Sabo, Ph.D., professor of health policy at D’Youville College, was the first man ever to receive the ‘Darlene Kluka Women’s Sports and Physical Activity Research Award’ from the Women’s Sports Foundation.

A recognized expert on gender relations, he is being recognized for his 30 years of research in girls and women’s sports. He has been writing and lecturing about issues including physical activity and health, gender equity in athletics, sport and masculinity, and men’s violence since 1980.

The award was established by the Foundation in 2001, in honor of Dr. Darlene A. Kluka. "The award which reflects Kluka’s leadership and vision, recognizes the outstanding performance of researchers and encourages their continued commitment to conduct studies involving women’s sports and physical activity,” according to the Foundation.

Kluka is a professor and the Coordinator of Sport Management Programs at Barry University in Miami Shores. She is also president of the International Association of Physical Education and Sport for Girls and Women.

Sabo served as a trustee and board vice president of the Women’s Sports Foundation and directed the development of its first national policy on sexual harassment in athletic settings. He has written numerous articles and books and directed several nationwide studies including the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports report titled Physical Activity and Sport in the Lives of Girls. He is also a nationally recognized expert on Title IX in athletics.

Sabo received the President’s Award from the Women’s Sports Foundation in 2001 recognizing his contribution to women’s sports and service to the foundation.

The Foundation relies on research to dispel myths and educate the public about the benefits of sport participation, active living for girls and women, and the role of women as leaders in and through sport. The Kluka Award recognizes the importance of research and pays tribute to leaders in the research arena.

"Don Sabo is one of the most preeminent scholars on girls and women in sports,” said Karen Durkin, CEO of the Women’s Sports Foundation. "Much of the Foundation’s groundbreaking research has been powered by Dan and his wealth of knowledge and expertise. The Foundation is thrilled to bestow this esteemed honor to such a deserving candidate as Don.”

The award was presented during the 2010 American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAPHERD) 125th National Convention & Exposition in Indianapolis on March 18.

Sabo is a graduate of the State University at Buffalo where he earned both his Master’s Degree and Doctorate in sociology and was a NCAA Division 1 football captain.

D’Youville is a leading private college in Buffalo now in its 102nd year.

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