In November of 2018, the bodybuilding and fitness community lost a cherished member- Joyce Eakin.  Joyce Eakin had started her career in her late sixties and competed in many different organizations across the United States.  In 2017, she was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's disease.  ALS is a devastating illness that affects more than 16,000 people in the United States today with more than 5,000 new cases diagnosed each year.  The disease is terminal but life expectancy can range from 2 to 20 years after diagnosis according to the ALS Association.

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The original name of the award was the Ambassador of Fitness and the inaugural recipient was Joyce Eakin in June of 2018.  Due to her dedication to the sport (10 shows in one year!) her superior sportsmanship and her warm and humble personality, the SMA felt Joyce was deserving of this token of appreciation.

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Each year at the SMA's Peach State Classic Pro-Am show in Atlanta, GA, one athlete will be selected for this prestigious award based on the following criterion:

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1- Number of shows (in any and all organizations) competed in the leading 12 months prior to the Peach State Classic

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2- Competes or attends the most current SMA Peach State Classic show

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3- Good sportsmanship is shown to all competitors, judges, show staff, and promoter(s) at all shows they have competed in

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In addition to the award, the SMA will donate $150 to the ALS Foundation in Joyce's name.

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For additional information about ALS or to make a donation click here

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