by Kimberly Rinker, for Harness Horsemen’s International

Chicago, IL — Harness Horsemen International’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce their 2010 award winners.

William A. Oberle, Jr., Representative from the 24th District of Newark, Del., has been selected to win the 2010 Dominic Frinzi HHI Person of the Year Award. Representative Oberle is regarded as the architect of the agrarian ‘racino’ model that is based on preserving the horse racing industry in states that have adopted slots. He is also the outgoing President of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States.

Russell Williams, of Hanover Shoe Farms, Hanover, Pa., is being honored with the 2010 HHI Appreciation Award for his tireless work and dedication on behalf of retired racehorses. Williams has rescued and rehabilitated countless Standardbreds, all at his own expense.

John Pawlak, Director of Marketing for the United States Trotting Association, Columbus, Ohio, is being honored with the 2010 Clyde Hirt Media Award. Pawlak has written extensively on the harness racing industry for over three decades, and annually complies the USTA’s invaluable Trotting & Pacing Guide for its members.

Harness Horsemen International is comprised of harness horsemen’s associations from throughout the United States and Canada. These three awards will be presented at the HHI Awards Banquet on Dec. 8, during the 2010 HHI annual meeting, Dec. 5-9, at the Embassy Suites Resort in Deerfield Beach, Fla.