Chris Canning Foundation

and its

International Awards Program

The Chris Canning Foundation and its International Awards Program was established in honor and memory of Christopher James Canning who died an accidental death in June of 2001 at the age of 15 yrs. old. Chris excelled in all aspects of his life. In school, he was an honor student, in the choir, and heavily involved in athletics playing football, basketball and baseball as a starter and captain. He carried his energy into to the field of music playing classical piano, drums and guitar. In his community, Chris helped deliver “Meals on Wheels” and collected food and clothing for the homeless. He loved animals and worked at an animal shelter caring for and finding homes for abandoned animals. His friendship was sincere, he protected weaker kids from the “bullies” at school, and came to the aid of those feeling depressed. Humor was his vehicle to enrich the lives of those he was involved with each day. His greatest satisfaction came from being there when needed and making a difference. In just 4 years as a martial artist he was a first degree black belt, member of 11 state teams, won 15 state titles, 3 national titles, an AAU All American, member of the U.S. Elite team at the OTC, invited to the U.S. Gold Team training, ‘99 Illinois’ Athlete of the Year, and five times athlete of the week in three different cities. As a result of his achievements in all aspects of his life, he has received over 150 honors, Nationally and Internationally.

Chris Canning - Biography (by His Parents)

and

Accolades by Many Others

Review the List of Honors Given to Chris ... Amazing!

In conjunction with the honors received, a National and International awards program has been established in his name to honor other outstanding youth who are world class martial artists, achieved academic excellence, given back to their communities through humanitarian projects, and have demonstrated the same personal attributes of the award's namesake. This program has been recognized and honored by the World Organization of Martial Arts Athletes International Hall of Fame with the presentation of the “Outstanding International Foundation Award”. Through the annual awards and scholarships that have been established, over 67 national, international and world champions have received an award in his name throughout the US, Canada, Europe, China, and Australia. In recognition of this impact, Chris was featured on the Cover of USA Taekwondo News magazine with a feature article inside covering his legacy and legend. This was an honor given, in his memory, by the National Governing Body of the United States Olympic Committee for the martial art of Taekwondo. While Chris is not with us physically, his spirit, approach to life, and the values he maintained, will live on through the ambassadors of his legacy who are selected each year as a result of his international awards program. These outstanding youth of the United States and the world will continue emulating his life providing an example for others to follow while making a positive contribution to the communities they live in and those they are involved with each day.

See Who has been Honored with Receiving the Chris Canning Award

To further your knowledge of the program, Chris' achievements, what he represented, what others thought of him, how he has been honored, who he has honored, and the personal honors received for his humanitarian efforts, please view the two presentations at myspace.com/520138931 or review the documents HERE.

You May Be Eligible to Receive the Chris Canning Award Too. Find Out How.

This program has been financed with the proceeds of a life insurance policy the family purchased when Chris was born. Over the past 10 years, the proceeds from that policy have been exhausted. In an attempt to continue this program of recognition of today's youth, the family has filed and received Articles of Incorporation declaring the Foundation a non for profit organization, has its EIN number assigned, and obtained 501c3 status providing a tax deduction for any contributions made to the Foundation. We are asking those of you who feel this program has merit, to help in the financing of it by making a contribution to the Foundation. Any contributor asking for an accounting of how the funds were used and the expenses encounter will receive such information on a calendar year basis.

Chris's Message (click) ... It's Worthy of Your Contribution

Any size contribution will be greatly appreciated since the program is in need of your help. Please accept my sincere gratitude for your involvement and assistance.