KINGSTON, R.I. -- June 22, 1999 -- The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance has awarded University of Rhode Island Professor J. Richard Polidoro the R. Tait McKenzie Award.

Polidoro, of North Kingstown, is a professor of physical education and exercise science at URI. While at the University, he has developed and implemented programs of physical education and sports on the international level and has traveled extensively throughout the world, promoting activities for students and faculty and organizing international seminars and conferences. He has organized and supervised many student and faculty study tours, exchanges, and internships. His work in numerous countries has led to close working relationships among colleges and universities, ministries of sport, and sport organizations.

Closer to home, Polidoro has been active in the community and has worked with the Shriners, the National Cerebral Palsy Olympic Games, the American Hearth Association, and the Ocean State Games.

He has been an active member of the Alliance for 30 years and has served in a variety of leadership positions in the state, district, and national level.

The R. Tait McKenzie Awards are bestowed annually by the Alliance in recognition of distinguished service by members that takes place outside the framework of the Alliance but which reflects prestige, honor, and dignity on the Alliance.

For More Information: Richard Polidoro, 401-874-2412

Dave Lavallee, 401-874-2116