The Kjell Tovander Award
In Memory of Kjell Tovander, an Inspiration to us all.
On Sunday November 16, 2008 Kjell Tovander set out with the thousands of his running brothers and sisters to complete his quest of finishing the Tulsa Route 66 Half Marathon (13.1). He did not make it back to the finish line. At least not in Tulsa, but Kjell did finish his race … in the arms of God. His spirit shall live on as an inspiration to all that the courage to begin a journey and to inspire others, through example - and he shall never be forgotten.
Kjell Tovander was just 21 and already his life had the stuff of Hollywood movies. He was valedictorian of his high school. Spent three years studying engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and he was all set for a career in the Navy. He had accomplished so much in his short life through his quiet, yet amazingly talented ways. He inspired people by the can-do attitude and way he went about making positive things happen. Kjell was a self-taught guitar player and a member of the marching band. But what his Mother Margie says she'll miss the most is the quiet music of her son's voice. Kjell was an inspiration and example of goodness to all who knew him. His spirit will live on as a shining example to others through this award.
The recipient of the annual Kjell Tovander Award will be determined by a committee headed up by the Tovander Family and the Directors of the Route 66 Marathon. The recipient will be an inspiring example of the human spirit and will. Someone who has overcome adversity and flourished, and is now helping others to do the same through their example.
Those interested in applying for consideration or nominating someone for consideration for the Kjell Tovander award should send us a short story about how they have overcome adversity and flourished and are now helping others to do the same.
Please send your story to Chris Lieberman at
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no later than October 26, 2009 for consideration. Stories can also be mailed to the address below.
Tulsa Route 66 Marathon, Inc.
Attn: Chris Lieberman
9717 East 42nd Street, Suite 217
Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.A. 74146
The finalists for the Kjell Tovander Award will be notified on November 1, 2009. The presentation of the award will be on November 20, 2010 during the ceremony at the Williams Route 66 Pasta Dinner.
