MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
October 21, 2013
For Information Contact:
Nicole Graper, ngraper@madison.k12.wi.us , (608) 204-3017 –or- Sharon Neylon,
sneylon@madison.k12.wi.us, (608) 204-3036.
MSCR wins a 2013 ICAA Innovators Achievement Award
Highlighting excellence and creativity in older-adult wellness
Madison, WI-The International Council on Active Aging® (ICAA), an association that leads,
connects and defines the active-aging industry, has selected MSCR’s (Madison School &
Community Recreation) Goodman-Rotary 50+ Fitness Program as a recipient of the 2013 ICAA
Innovators Achievement Award. ICAA’s Innovators Awards program highlights creativity and
excellence in active aging, recognizing those that are leading the way, setting new standards,
and making a difference in the lives of older adults. The Achievement Award specifically
recognizes programs and concepts that advance active aging. Award-winning offerings target
any or all of the seven dimensions of wellness promoted by ICAA—social, emotional, vocational,
spiritual, intellectual, physical and environmental.
The MSCR award focuses on the “Adventure Academy, Wellness Workshops” and the “I Love
Madison” series astwo of North America’s most innovative active-aging programs. The programs
take place as part of MSCR’s 50+ Fitness Program line-up, which includes over 300 programs and
serves over 7,200 Madison senior citizens annually.
Jean O’Leary, MSCR 50+ Fitness Specialist, and creator of the programs states, “We expect a lot
out of our programs because there is a lot at stake. Our participants want quality, challenging,
fun, and affordable programs. Older adults should be able to access fitness programs in their
neighborhoods – the more accessible they are, the healthier our community is.”
“As ICAA’s Innovators Awards program enters its second decade, we are thrilled by the
continued growth and creativity of programs that foster health, wellness and quality of life for
older adults,” says Colin Milner, ICAA’s founder and CEO. “These programs offer meaningful
opportunities that support people in staying active and engaged, regardless of health
challenges. MSCR’s Goodman-Rotary 50+ Fitness Program was one entry that stood out for its
excellence and creativity,” Milner continues. “This initiative is an example of the inspiring
programming that active-aging professionals have developed to enrich people’s lives and
enhance their overall wellness. On behalf of ICAA, I congratulate MSCR and Jean O’Leary on
these award-winning efforts.”
As a 2013 ICAA Achievement Award recipient, MSCR will receive a crystal award of recognition.
In addition, a profile of the Goodman-Rotary 50+ Fitness Program will appear in ICAA’s flagship
publication, the Journal on Active Aging®, in 2014.
About the ICAA Innovators Awards program
Website: www.icaa.cc/awards.htm
The ICAA Innovators Awards honor those in the active-aging industry that are leading the way,
setting new standards and making a difference in the lives of older adults. Established in 2003,
this awards program honors excellence and creativity in three categories: ICAA Innovators
Achievement Award, for programs and concepts that advance active aging; ICAA Innovators
Practical Solutions Award, for creative products and services for active older adults; and ICAA
Innovators Green Award, for environmental stewardship efforts. By recognizing cutting-edge
programs, products and environments as well as those who developed them, ICAA highlights
wellness solutions for industry leaders and governmental organizations to consider.
About the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA)
Website: www.icaa.cc
ICAA, an association that leads, connects and defines the active-aging industry, supports
professionals who develop wellness facilities, programs and services for adults over 50. The
association is focused on active aging, an approach to aging that helps older adults live as fully
as possible within all dimensions of wellness; and provides its members with education,
information, resources and tools. As an active-aging educator and advocate, ICAA has advised
numerous organizations and governmental bodies. These include the US Administration on
Aging, the National Institute on Aging (one of the US National Institutes of Health), the US
Department of Health and Human Services, Canada's Special Senate Committee on Aging, and
the British Columbia ministries of Health, and Healthy Living and Sport, among others.
About MSCR (Madison School & Community Recreation)
Website: www.mscr.org
MSCR, a department of the Madison Metropolitan School District, is a public service recreation
department serving the Madison, WI community since 1926. It is the lead provider of a wide
range of accessible programs and leisure opportunities. MSCR offers many recreation programs
for all ages, at affordable prices. Programs include: 50+ fitness programs, sports leagues, arts &
enrichment, fitness, cultural events, outdoor adventure, recreational sports, swim lessons and
many other fitness and leisure opportunities.
For interviews or more information about ICAA, the ICAA Innovators Awards, or aging-related
issues, contact:
Colin Milner, CEO, International Council on Active Aging
Toll-free: 1-866-335-9777 (North America only)
Telephone: 604-734-4466; cell: 604-763-4595
Email: colinmilner@icaa.cc
For interviews or more information about MSCR and the Goodman-Rotary 50+ Fitness Program,
contact: Nicole Graper, ngraper@madison.k12.wi.us , (608) 204-3017 –or- Sharon Neylon,
sneylon@madison.k12.wi.us, (608) 204-3036.
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