Casey Martin Awards

Casey Martin, a pro golfer who battles a rare circulatory condition, engaged the PGA in a landmark lawsuit for the right to use a motorized cart during tournaments. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in his favor in May 2001.

Nike created the Casey Martin Awards the same year to celebrate his passion and competitive spirit. We present the award annually to anindividual who has excelled in athletic pursuits while overcoming significant physical, mental, societal or cultural challenges, and who proudly serves as an advocate for fellow athletes with disabilities.

The 2004 Casey Martin Award recipient was Jesse Billauer, a motivational speaker and surfer who hit a sandbar headfirst while trapped beneath the waves in 1996. Jesse suffered a spinal cord injury at the C-6 level which robbed him of any sensation or movement below his chest and limited use of his arms and hands. With assistance, he continues to be a passionate surfer and speaks regularly, particularly to young people, about the importance of family and friends, and about the need to live life to the fullest and never give up on your hopes and dreams.

Nike presented the award, including an inscribed silver medal and a $25,000 Nike grant which will go to the Life Rolls On foundation that Jesse founded, to Jesse on November 3, 2004 at its world headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.

Nominations for the 2005 Casey Martin Award will be available on June 1, 2005 and must be received by July 11, 2005.

Full details about the Casey Martin Award, including history, recipients and award nomination forms, are available at http://www.nike.com/nikebiz/nikebiz.jhtml?page=26&item=award