COLUMBUS, Ohio – A NASA astronaut who said that attending the Arnold Classic was a “defining moment” in his life will return to Columbus next month to participate in a special ceremony with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Col. Charles Hobaugh took an Arnold Classic medallion and a Governor’s Medallion from the State of California into space this past fall when he piloted the Space shuttle Atlantis on an 11-day mission to the International Space Station.
Hobaugh will return to the Arnold Sports Festival, set for March 4-7, to return the medallions to Gov. Schwarzenegger during a special presentation on Saturday, March 6. He will also attend a variety of Festival events and a make several special appearances throughout the Weekend.
"Charlie Hobaugh actually attended (the Arnold Sports Festival) years ago – and was truly inspired and motivated by the information he learned," NASA spokeswoman Dana Davis said. "After leaving the (Festival), he felt extremely empowered. In fact, he said it was one of his 'defining moments.’
"He's been a fitness buff his entire life and is also a huge Arnold Schwarzenegger fan. Plus, he's an avid student of Mr. Schwarzenegger's health and fitness books."
Hobaugh requested the souvenirs from the Arnold Sports Festival prior to the shuttle launch in November and then, after returning from space, accepted an invitation to attend this year’s Arnold Sports Festival. He will appear at the Arnold Classic finals at Veterans Memorial on Saturday, March 6 to return the medallions to Gov. Schwarzenegger. Details of other appearances will be announced later.
“We are genuinely touched that Col. Hobaugh has such fond memories of the Arnold Sports Festival, and were very proud that he requested mementos from our Festival to take into space,” co-producer Jim Lorimer said. “It will be an honor to host Col. Hobaugh in Columbus this year. I cannot think of a higher compliment for our Weekend than to be endorsed by such an American hero.”
Hobaugh was among six astronauts on board Space shuttle Atlantis for November flight to the International Space Station. The Atlantis delivered a load of spare parts that will be used to keep the space station running for several years.
For more information, visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com
MEDIA CONTACT:
Brent LaLonde
Arnold Sports Festival
614-431-2600
brent@arnoldexpo.com
Last modified: 2010-02-18 @ 12:00 am
