Olympic Gold Medalist Rafer Johnson won the 2010 Fernando Award for volunteerism at an event held in Woodland Hills. In addition to his athletic notoriety, Johnson has been an active volunteer with several causes both locally and nationally. He has been a leader in the National and Southern California Special Olympics, has served on the board of directors for New Directions for Youth in the Valley, the Fair Housing Council, CATS (Center for Assault Treatment Services), Kids in Sports, Imagine L.A., Ready, Set GOLD and the Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games. Johnson won the Decathlon Gold Medal in the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome. The Fernando Award has been given annually in the Valley since 1959 to people who have given a lifetime of service volunteering with organizations.
