The American Diabetes Association in partnership the the National Father's Day Council have announced Salem High School Athletic Director Scott Connolly as the Massachusetts Father of the Year.

The Father of the Year awards dinner began nationally in 1999 with the Boston event first being held in 2006.

Connolly was chosen because he has worked to promote the importance of physical education as a core component of children's education in his position as a coach and athletic director over the last 15 years.

As a youth, Connolly had a friend who lived with diabetes who still participated in athletics in order to stay healthy.

He also deals daily with student-athletes in Salem who choose to compete for health. According to Connolly, "about 5 percent of Salem student-athletes live with diabetes."

The National Diabetes Fact Sheet states there are nearly 26 million children and adults living with diabetes in the United States.

Coach Connolly feels that, "the more information we can get out to the students and their communities, the better off we will be. I hope that my position in this community will allow me to increase awareness in Salem and among my fellow athletic directors."

There will be a local fundraiser at Finz on 5 May, 2012 at 7 p.m.  Tickets are $75 per person and include food and entertainment. There will be raffles and an auction. 

On 12 June, 2012 the Seaport Hotel in Boston will host the actual awards banquet.

Those wishing to purchase tickets can email renee38-48@comcast.net. 

A direct donation can be made at www.diabetes.org/sconnolly.