Dr. Kari Fasting is honored with the 2005 Darlene A. Kluka Women's Sports and Physical Activity Research Award
By Gina Pujols
Where would the advocates be without research? Much of the Foundation's cause relies on studies to dispel myths. Its purpose is to educate the public about the benefits of sports participation and active lifestyles for girls and women, and explain the role of women in sports leadership. To recognize the importance of these studies, the Foundation paid tribute to Dr. Kari Fasting of Oslo, Norway by presenting her with the Darlene A. Kluka Women's Sports and Physical Activity Research Award, an honorarium to aid in the progression of her research.
Fasting is currently a full professor at the Norwegian University of Sport and Physical Education, department of social sciences. She is the chair for a research group on “Sport, Gender and Culture.” The focus of her research for the past six years has been sexual harassment and abuse in sports. This year she is a visiting professor at the University of Toronto, in the department of physical education and health. She has conducted research on physical activity and sports in the Norwegian population and in Europe on areas such as sport and media, sport and unemployment, health and quality of life, women and sport, and gender and sport.
The award is named for Dr. Darlene Kluka, a full professor at Grambling State University. She has dedicated her studies to providing sound research and projects designed in the area of sports. The award was established in 2001 as the Foundation's way of respecting her leadership, vision and desire to create a legacy that acknowledges the outstanding performance of researchers. It encourages their continued commitment to conduct studies involving women's sports and physical activity.
Fasting was honored by Kluka at the National Association for Girls and Women in Sports' (NAGWS) and the Foundation's joint reception. The event took place on April 14 at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers in Chicago, Ill.
For more information about these awards or to make a designated gift to support more research, please call (800) 227-3988.