Winning Spirit Magazine July-August 2016 | Page 6

UTAH'S TOP PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE OF THE YEAR - GORDON HAYWARD In an online vote by the general public, Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward received recognition at the 2016 Governor’s State of Sport Awards as the Professional/ Olympian Male Athlete of the Year for the state of Utah. Hayward, the court leader of the Jazz and a finalist for the Olympic men’s basketball team, bested other category nominees that included Detroit Lions defensive end Ziggy Ansah; professional golfer Tony Finau; and alpine ski racer and two-time Olympic gold medalist Ted Ligety. The Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, the 700-mile, 50,000-foot vertical climb, seven-day professional cycling stage race, was also a finalist in the Event/Highlight of the Year category at the annual State of Sport gathering. The Utah Sports Commission event presented by Zions Bank occurred in May at Vivint Smart Home Arena. A total of nine “fan favorites” were honored by Gov. Gary R. Herbert, along with James Easton and Vern Law for lifetime achievement awards and Deer Valley as partner of the year. WS TOP HONORS FOR BRYAN MILLER AND BEHIND THE DRIVE Bryan Miller received a 2016 Best of State Award for his book, “Behind the Drive,” at a black-tie gala held May 18, 2016, at the Salt Palace Convention Center. The Best of State Award honors Utah companies for their overall excellence, quality products and services, creative business approaches and strategies, and efforts to improve the quality of life in their community and state and to make the world a better place. “Behind the Drive,” was a Best of State winner in the literary arts, non-fiction category. The collection of short stories demonstrates the successes, challenges, and character of Bryan’s father, and company founder, the late Larry H. Miller. Released in November 2015, the book has been featured in numerous television interviews, publications, and is a featured part of Bryan’s on-going lectures and workshops. More information at www.bryanmiller.com. WS