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Emmitt Smith has received many honors throughout his life: All Pro status, Ring of Honor member, and Hall of Famer; but now Smith, along with his beautiful wife Patricia (Southall) Smith, is being awarded the Congressional Horizon Award for excellence in community service. The Smiths, through Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities, have devoted considerable efforts to providing unique educational and enrichment opportunities for under-served children.
The Horizon Award is given annually by the Joint Leadership Commission and the Congressional Award Board of Directors to an individual or group that has excelled in opening up opportunities for Americans from all walks of life. Previous award winners include Patrick Ewing, Drew Brees, Mariah Carey, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Mr. and Mrs. Smith will receiver their award on Monday July 28th during a special Congressional luncheon in conjunction with the Congressional Award Golf Classic.
From the press release:
Over the past five years, as a result of the commitment and dedication to youth from Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities, the organization has touched more than 25,000 youth each year in North Texas, providing funding for camps, cultural arts programs, after school programs and education opportunities. The charities’ Team 22 flagship program provides unique experiences and personal mentoring for high-potential yet underserved students throughout the community. The charity funds opportunities such as summer camp, tutoring and leadership training, as well as existing children’s programs, through its annual grant application process. Ten students from the Team 22 program will accompany Pat and Emmitt Smith to Washington, D.C., to visit the city and attend the award ceremony.