For Immediate Release
NEWPORT BEACH, California – (May 3, 2009) – Like Americans from coast to coast, the IMPACT Foundation of The Pacific Club, sponsors of the Lott Trophy, felt a true loss this weekend with the passing of Jack Kemp, a member of the Board of Directors.
“He was a true American hero in every sense of the word,” said John Hamilton, Chairman of the Board and a long-time friend of Kemp’s. “From his exploits on the football field to his uncompromising love and unselfish dedication to our country, Jack Kemp exemplified all that is good in America. He believed in fair competition, limitless opportunity and the American ideal. We at The IMPACT Foundation were honored to have him as a founding member of our Board and a keynote speaker at our second annual Lott Trophy Awards Banquet. He was and is an inspiration to each and every one of us and he will be missed.”
The Lott Trophy is awarded to that student-athlete each season who has the biggest IMPACT on his team, both on the field and off it. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
“When you think of those traits, you have to think of someone like Jack Kemp,” said Hamilton.
In his keynote speech in 2005, Kemp told the audience: “What we celebrate tonight are the qualities, the characteristics, the values and the ideals of that which is best in America. Football is, in my opinion, the sport that brings out the mental and the physical as no other sport, with all due respect.”