#0-Ward Burton has been named the third-quarter nominee for the NMPA/Pocono Spirit Award, not for his well-known work on behalf of wildlife causes, but because he took time to care about one kid. While Burton’s wildlife work is public knowledge, the soft-spoken Virginia native is just as willing to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate, often outside of the spotlight. Such was the case of Dusty Duncan, a young fan who met Burton during an autograph session late last year. Duncan and his younger sister, Angie, are afflicted with cleft lip, a medical condition which can affect speech as well as self-esteem. One in 700 children are born with some type of cleft condition each year, and it is the most common facial birth defect [See info about this on my Racing Charities/Ongoing news page ]. The two children are scheduled for surgery in Chicago on April 29. The award, presented each January, recognizes character and achievement in face of adversity, as well as sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports. Car owner Richard Childress received the association’s first-quarter award; the late NASCAR historian Bob Latford was named the second-quarter recipient.( The State )(11-7-2003)
