2010 Strong Kids Campaign Leadership Breakfast Kicks-Off Year-long Effort

(Jan. 25, 2010) Glenn Haley and Bill “Kaz” Kazmaier Three Time World’s Strongest Man and ESPN Commentator Bill “Kaz” Kazmaier kicked off the 2010 Strong Kids Campaign Leadership Breakfast by sharing his personal YMCA story.

Kazmaier, who won the “World’s Strongest Man” title in 1980, 1981 and 1982, works as a commentator for ESPN. He also travels the country as a motivational speaker, especially interested in motivating students.

Created in 1977, the “World’s Strongest Man” competition combines a series of unique tests of strength to determine “the World’s Strongest Man.”

Kazmaier is known for feats of strength including pulling school buses, tractors and bending frying pans.

Born in Wisconsin, Kazmaier played fullback at the University of Wisconsin from 1973-74 before leaving school to pursue power lifting full-time. In 1979, he won the American Power lifting Championship and the International Power Lifting Federation World Championship.

“The YMCA has always played an important part in my life,” he told YMCA staff and volunteers who gathered Friday morning (January 22) at Cleveland’s Union Club. “Ordinary people can do extraordinary things.”

The 2009 YMCA of Greater Cleveland Strong Kids Campaign exceeded its goal when $612,000 was raised.

The 2010 goal is $647,000.

“Just imagine what the future can be if we are able to impact every child,” said YMCA of Greater Cleveland President and Chief Executive Officer Glenn Haley. “It is the personal impact of the Strong Kids program that makes us (as an organization) unique.”

Haley said: “There are three core fundamental things that we do well – Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. The money that you raise determines the level of support that we can provide.”

David Gunning and Matthew Cox are co-chairs of the 2010 Strong Kids Campaign.

“As Kaz said, Conceive, Believe, Achieve. Make that your mantra,” Gunning said.