On September 6, 2024, Samir Becic, Houston’s renowned Fitness Czar, achieved a historic milestone by receiving the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition (PCSFN) Hero Award in Washington D.C. This accolade represents not only a major personal milestone for Becic but also distinguishes him as the first and only recipient from Texas to earn this prestigious honor.
The Hero Award is one of the highest distinctions granted by the President’s Council (PCSFN), celebrating individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the promotion of health and fitness in America. Samir Becic’s recognition as the sole Texas recipient underscores his unparalleled impact on the fitness community and his exemplary leadership in advocating for a healthier lifestyle. As a Houston-based organization we are proud of our founder Samir so powerfully representing our great city and our amazing state!
Becic expressed his profound gratitude upon receiving the award: “I am humbled and deeply honored to receive the Hero Award from the President’s Council. Being recognized with the title of ‘Hero’ is incredibly meaningful, as it reflects the collective efforts of all those who have joined me in promoting health and fitness in America. This award inspires me to continue this vital work and strive to make an even greater impact on the lives of my fellow Americans. I would like to thank my wife Professor Dijana Handanovic, my son Ares Max, my Health Fitness Revolution team and operations manager Naomi Ring, and Super Lawyer and nominator for the Hero award Robert J. Madden J.D.”
Samir Becic’s dedication to health and fitness has long been acknowledged in Houston. On November 1, 2022, Mayor Sylvester Turner proclaimed “Samir Becic Day” in recognition of his four years of service as Houston’s official Fitness Czar and his 20 years as a health advisor to previous mayors. This recognition was further honored with a second proclamation on January 10, 2023, by Mayor Turner and the 16 City of Houston Council Members, applauding Becic’s relentless advocacy for health and fitness nationwide.
In 2023, Becic’s contributions were also celebrated on a national level when he was awarded the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award by President Joe Biden. This accolade, coupled with a Congressional Proclamation from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, highlights Becic’s lifelong dedication to community service. His remarkable commitment includes over 8,000 hours of volunteerism, showcasing his extraordinary efforts to strengthen communities through the power of health and fitness.
In recognition of Samir Becic’s outstanding achievements, Houston Mayor John Whitmire honored him with a special commendation for his President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024. The mayor praised Becic for his exceptional contributions to health and fitness, underscoring his significant impact on the Houston community and beyond.
For more than two decades, Samir Becic has been a beacon of community leadership, inspiring countless individuals and making significant strides in promoting health and fitness. His work spans partnerships with various organizations and extends across the nation. Since 2018, he has served as Houston’s Official Fitness Czar, tirelessly encouraging Houstonians to lead more active lives. His advisory role to the City of Houston began 22 years ago, guiding mayors from Lee Brown to Annise Parker, Sylvester Turner, and now John Whitmire.
Furthermore, since 2011, Becic has devoted over ten thousand hours through the Samir Becic Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering lives through health and fitness.
Samir Becic’s achievement of being the first Texan ever to receive the PCSFN Hero Award highlights his exceptional contributions to the field of fitness and his unwavering commitment to enhancing public health. His remarkable journey serves as a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on the health and well-being of countless lives.
