Governor's Fitness & Health Leadership Award Platinum Award Winners

Governor Matt Blunt presents the 2005 Platinum Award to Sam Gutirrez. Sam Gutirrez has served as coordinator of the St. Charles County Golden Games since 1996, helping turn the event into the second largest senior regional game in the State. A participant himself, he plays volleyball competitively at many venues around the country. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Missouri Senior State Games. Gutirrez was joined on the field by Executive Director of the Governor's Council, Gayla Vandelicht, his wife Rose Gutirrez and Governor's Council board member Michael Yarbrough.

Mario is a liaison member of the Governor's Council and Melody is a member of the Council. Gary Filbert was former executive director of the Missouri Show-Me State Games for 17 years before retiring in 2003. He received the award at the Mizzou Arena prior to a home basketball game. Filbert served as an assistant men's basketball coach under Coach Norm Stewart and was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in February.