Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/918219
20 runninginsight.com ©2017 Formula4media LLC. The Award: The Ubuntu Award Presented by Balega The Winner: Lively Athletics, Oak Park, IL Why They Won Introduced by: Tanya Pictor, Balega "Balega awards the Ubuntu award annually to one of our retail partners who in their own way exemplify the spirit of Ubuntu in their local communities. UBUNTU is a concept brought to the world's attention by the late Nelson Mandela, who has been a critical part of our African Culture for centuries. Essentially Ubuntu means: "I am because we are." It is about community and caring and going that extra mile when you really do not have to. This year we are going to award a store that has challenged the norms of the community in which it is located. It is not a long established or a large store, but a store that has taken community issues head on and created the difference. The owners are not scared to step up for their beliefs around political issues that affect all people. We admire them. They are not afraid to create positive change for the com- munity, leading a recent public forum on increases on minimum wages fighting for the livelihood of all small businesses in the community. We honor them." Remarks from Anne Pezalla, along with her sister Kate, the owner and founders of Lively Athletics: "To say that Kate and I are thrilled and surprised to be up here, in front of the best running stores in America, accepting this award is a huge understatement. We just cannot even believe we were finalists. This is the highest honor in our industry and one we are humbled to receive. Thank you to Formula4 for honoring us and our industry. And thank you to Balega for offering this award- which we think is the most important one of the evening. To us, there is particular significance in the fact that we are winning the award for Community Spirit. We are small and truly, FIERCELY independent. We PRESENTED BY: L to R: Paul Perrone and Chris Bevins of Balega, the 'Lively Sisters,' and Tanya Pictor of Balega. LIVELY ATHLETICS Oak Park, IL THE UBUNTU AWARD