2011 - Roberto Posada (as presented by Stephen Grossman)
2010 - Anthony Lambert (as presented by Kenneth Schweighofer)
I received the Inspiration Award last year because of my stubbornness. Life dealt me a difficult hand that I was forced to deal with, and triathlon was my chosen weapon. I was so moved last year when Jason presented this award to me, that I couldn't even say any words of thanks. I could only shed tears as I realized that thanks to this sport, I was a cancer survivor. Somehow, I selfishly thought that I had been on my journey alone, and it was at that moment I realized I wasn't.
This year, the Inspiration Award is going to a different type of inspiration. The type of inspiration that is motivated by the desire just to be the best that he can at everything he does. Let me read an excerpt from an email that embodies what I am talking about: "Kenneth, you are the best triathlete and coach ever."….oops wrong email. "My colleagues/friends/family think I'm a bit nuts - but I've come to realize that triathlon is something I've needed in my life. I've always been active - just not always with focus. I've discovered that all of the "time" that it takes to train has made me a better husband, father, educator...It is possible, in my humble opinion, to pull it all off. Train hard. Train safely."
I am pleased to be able to present this year’s Inspiration Award to someone who doesn't need something to push him into becoming an inspiration, because he already is. When I was going through the toughest moments of my life, he was an inspiration to me. Don't get me wrong, he's not perfect, but he never pretends to be. Our 2010 TeamNRGY Inspiration Award goes to: A loving husband; A devoted Father; A loyal friend; A two time Ironman; One of the original TeamNRGY members; And the funny thing is that he is so modest, that he still has no idea how much of an inspiration he is, or even that this award is for him. May we all learn something from him.
2009 - Kenneth Schweighofer (as presented by Jason Santarcangelo)
This year's award goes to Kenneth Schweighofer who has demonstrated perseverance, dedication and determination to over challenge. While competing in the 2008 Randolph Lake Sprint Triathlon, Kenneth had difficulty on the bike and run. Soon after crossing the line, he got sick. After visiting his doctor, Kenneth was diagnosed with Stage 1 cancer.
Kenneth was treated and through his perseverance, dedication and determination he regained his strength and completed the 2009 Randolph Lake Sprint Triathlon on, in his words, “his own terms.” But Kenneth didn’t stop there, just two weeks later he took the home the 1980 Winter Olympics to compete in Ironman Lake Placid and announce to the world that he could not be stopped. On July 26, 2009 - Kenneth came all the way back. As Kenneth completed the final steps of his journey, Mike Reilly, the voice of Ironman shouted out, “Kenneth, you are an Ironman.”
One might think overcoming cancer would be one’s sole focus. Kenneth rarely mentions his personal challenges. Instead, in the face of adversity continued to be an amazing teammate. Kenneth has always offered advice on bikes, a place to stay and race support. While his countless acts are too many to count, I remember Kenneth helping to lug (and I mean lug) the Team NRGY tent across Lake Placid to set it up and one rainy morning, at 430am, he gathered up Tony and myself to head to Westchester and support our teammates who were racing. A gourmet cook Kenneth brought a meal over when I crashed. Kenneth is always putting others first.
Kenneth always strove to give 100% of what he had to give even though, as he will admit was not always a 100%. Kenneth you are back! Thank you, Kenneth for inspiring those around you. We look forward to helping you achieve your personal goals for next year. Kenneth, it is my honor to present to you the 1st Team NRGY Inspiration Award.

