HOUSTON, TEXAS. (September 10, 2009) Jim Nantz, the signature face and voice of CBS Sports, will receive the President & Mrs. George H.W. Bush Community Impact Award at a luncheon in his honor on September 14 at the Houstonian Hotel. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Greater Houston Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Now in its 9th year, the Community Impact Award is presented annually to an individual who has achieved unparalleled success in athletics and whose life reflects the highest level of moral character and integrity. Past recipients have included: UCLA Basketball Coach, John Wooden; U.S. Congressman, J.C. Watts; Former Dallas Cowboy Coach, Tom Landry; LPGA Golfer, Betsy King; Houston Texans Owner, Robert McNair; Olympic Gold Medalist, Mary Lou Retton; and, Chik-fil-A Founder, Truett Cathy.
An Emmy Award winner and four-time National Sportscaster of the Year, Jim currently serves as the lead play-by-play announcer for THE NFL ON CBS, including Super Bowl XLI and this season’s Super Bowl in Miami; the anchor of CBS's golf coverage, including the Masters and the PGA Championship; and lead play-by-play announcer for college basketball, including the NCAA Men’s Final Four. In addition to Nantz’s broadcasting accomplishments, Nantz co-authored with Eli Spielman the New York Times bestseller, Always By My Side (Gotham Books, 2008), which climbed to No. 3 on the New York Times list making it the highest ranking achieved in 2008 by a sports book. Always By My Side chronicles behind-the-scenes stories of some of the most dramatic moments in American sports while paying tribute to the man who inspired him to pursue his broadcasting dream, his beloved father.
Nantz graduated in 1981 with a degree in radio/television from the University of Houston, where he was recruited as a member of the golf team. He received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from his alma mater in May 2001 in recognition of his contributions to his profession and to the university. While a student at Houston, he held a variety of broadcasting jobs, which led to positions at Houston’s CBS stations KHOU-TV and KTRH Radio.
“Jim Nantz carries enormous appeal among sports enthusiasts, but I believe his most loyal fan base is right here in Houston,” said Wade Hopkins, Multi-Area Director of Greater Houston FCA. “From the moment he confirmed as our honoree, enthusiasm for this year’s luncheon has been phenomenal. Jim has deep roots within the University of Houston community; he also has many family, friends and business associates here who admire his character and are inspired by his accomplishments. We are very pleased that he is our 2009 Community Impact Award recipient, and we are excited that he is using his platform to help spread the word about Greater Houston FCA ministries.”
The seated luncheon will begin promptly at 11:30 am. Ticket prices start at $1,500 for a table of 10 or $150 for individual seating. For more information about the luncheon or to inquire about sponsor opportunities, contact the Houston FCA office at 832-229-3520.
About FCA: Since 1954, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has been challenging coaches and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high and youth levels to use the powerful medium of athletics to impact the world for Jesus Christ. FCA is the largest Christian sports organization in America. FCA focuses on serving local communities by equipping, empowering and encouraging people to make a difference for Christ.
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