University News
Donation to WIU Benefits Health-Related Fitness for Children Research
September 27, 2002
MACOMB, IL -- Western Illinois University alumnus Joe Decker, who is also known as the "World's Fittest Man," according to Guinness World Records, has an obvious interest in health and wellness.
Also dubbed the "Workout King of the World" by Guinness, Decker donated $75,000 to Western during a special program today (Friday). A portion of that gift (the Joe Decker Children's Health-Related Research Award) -- $10,000 -- will be used to support research in the department of physical education concerning children's health-related fitness.
WIU physical education professors Cathy McMillan and Loran Erdmann will use the funding to continue their research on childhood obesity, cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and flexibility and more. The pair has a database of Macomb School District children in grades kindergarten through fifth and are in the process of tracking those individuals in five- and 10-year periods.
"Not only do I have a personal passion for physical activity, but I also believe that all children should be physically active," Decker said. "I embrace the quote from HealthFirst, 'A mind is a terrible thing to waste. So is the other 90 percent of a child.'"
Decker's donation to Western came from a unique source: a game show. He, along with other World Record Holders, was a contestant on the NBC quiz show "The Weakest Link" this past summer, and because of his knowledge, he walked away $75,000 richer. In addition to supporting research, the WIU Foundation will use Decker's gift establish an endowed scholarship in honor of his mother.
"WIU has been very instrumental in my success, and it's quite an honor to be able to give something back for all the help," Decker said.
The son of Diane and Danny Decker grew up on a farm between Smithfield and Cuba, approximately 30 miles from WIU, where his parents still reside. He is a fitness trainer and motivational speaker with his own business, Body Construction, in Gaithersburg, MD, near Washington, D.C.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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