Hines Ward recently honored Pittsburgh Karate and Martial Arts Champion Dominic Leader. The Allegheny Shotokan Karate Black Belt was joined by Sensei Bill Viola who was inducted into the Heinz History Center Western PA Sports Museum last year with an exhibit honoring him as a pioneer of martial arts in Pittsburgh.

The Heinz History Center hosted this years inaugural Western Pennsylvania Positive High School Athlete Awards on Saturday, April 21st. Student Athletes representing 26 different boys and girls high school sports were honored by Positive Athlete spokesperson, and former Pittsburgh Steeler star wide receiver Hines Ward, as well as Jeff Kartsens from the Pittsburgh Pirates..

Over 170 nominations from coaches, principals, athletic directors, teachers and parents were submitted, representing 75 different Western Pennsylvania high schools from as far away as Erie, PA. In addition to excellence on the field, each nominated Positive Athlete was required to show characteristics such as an optimistic attitude, teammate encouragement, servant leadership, heart for others, ability to admit imperfections, giving 100 percent all the time, and realizing the team as more important than the individual.

“Being a Positive Athlete symbolizes something,” said Ward. “I wasn’t even the most talented guy on my football team – there were a lot of guys who had more talent. But I think what separated us was their negative attitude. I think that’s what the Positive Athlete Voting Academy saw in these 26 high school athletes as well”.

The event was emceed by KDKA sports anchor Bob Pompeani, with assistance from MSA Sports broadcaster’s Lanny Frattare and Don Rebel. In addition to an award certificate signed by Mr. Ward, award winners received an autographed Positive Athlete Dedication t-shirt and they will be guests of the Pittsburgh Pirates during a home game on May 9th where they will be brought onto the field to watch batting practice and meet players.

Allegheny Shotokan Karate Irwin North Huntingdon Pittsburgh, PA