AUSTIN — Beneath the vaulted ceilings of the Texas Governor’s Mansion this spring, the state gathered to celebrate its highest honor in civic service: the 41st Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards.
Administered by the OneStar Foundation in partnership with Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott, the program recognizes Texans whose commitment to community service has made an enduring mark across the Lone Star State.
Among this year’s honorees, one name resonated powerfully: Samir Becic, officially appointed Fitness Czar of the City of Houston, who was named Texas Volunteer of the Year 2024—a distinction regarded as one of the most prestigious acknowledgments of civic contribution in the state.
A Mission Rooted in Health and Service
For more than two decades, Samir Becic has fused his passion for health with his devotion to public service. Through the Samir Becic Foundation and his nationwide initiative, Health Fitness Revolution, he has logged over 8,000 volunteer hours since 2012, designing programs that make wellness accessible to all Texans—especially those far from traditional fitness spaces.
His community work extends from city halls to homeless outreach programs. Becic’s initiative “Walking Out of Homelessness” combines exercise, mentorship, and social connection to help individuals regain confidence and stability. His health campaigns and city-wide events have collectively reached more than two million Texans, providing free fitness education and community resources.
In the award announcement, OneStar Foundation praised him as “a visionary volunteer whose sustained service has advanced both the physical and civic health of communities across Texas.”
The Weight of the Governor’s Volunteer Award
The Governor’s Volunteer Awards, now in their 41st year, represent the pinnacle of volunteer recognition in Texas. Each year, honorees are nominated by citizens statewide and selected by the OneStar Foundation for measurable impact, innovation, and longevity of service.
The “Volunteer of the Year” award—presented to only one individual annually—honors extraordinary, long-term commitment to improving the lives of Texans. Recipients are celebrated in an official ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion, hosted by the Governor and First Lady.
For Becic, the award affirms what he calls “a lifelong belief that wellness is community service.” In an interview following the ceremony, he reflected:
“When we invest in our health, we invest in our communities. Every act of movement and kindness strengthens Texas.”
Fitness as Civic Duty
Becic’s award also signals a shift in how Texas defines volunteerism. Traditionally associated with food drives and disaster response, service is now being reimagined to include public health and prevention.
As Houston’s official Fitness Czar, Becic has brought that concept to life—organizing fitness programs for first responders, developing public wellness initiatives, and mentoring youth in underserved neighborhoods. His work reframes health not as luxury, but as a shared civic responsibility.
“One of the reasons Samir Becic stands out,” said OneStar CEO Chris Bugbee, “is that he unites wellness and volunteerism. His model shows that a healthier community is a stronger community.”
A Record of Recognition
Becic’s 2024 Governor’s Award adds to a growing constellation of national and civic honors that trace his influence far beyond Houston:
- President’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2023) — bestowed by President Joe Biden for over 8,000 hours of volunteer service to the nation.
- President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition (PCSFN) Hero Award (2024) — awarded to only eight Americans nationwide; Becic is the first and only Texan ever to receive the honor.
- City of Houston Proclamation (2023) — officially designating January 10 as “Samir Becic Day” for his contributions to community health and civic service.
Each award builds upon the other, collectively portraying a man whose public service bridges city, state, and national arenas.
What His Selection Means for Texas
By honoring Becic, the Governor’s Volunteer Awards affirm that volunteerism is evolving. Service is no longer confined to charity alone—it can also mean helping Texans live longer, healthier, more resilient lives. His recognition spotlights how fitness, prevention, and wellness initiatives can stand alongside traditional community work as vital engines of social good.
In a state celebrated for its independence and grit, Becic’s message—that personal health strengthens public life—feels uniquely Texan. It’s about taking responsibility, leading by example, and ensuring that community strength begins with individual well-being.
A Closing Reflection
As the ceremony concluded and honorees shook hands with the Governor and First Lady, Becic’s message remained simple:
“Texas has given me every opportunity to succeed. This award is my reminder to keep giving back—stronger, healthier, and together.”
His journey—from immigrant to Houston’s Fitness Czar, from community volunteer to state honoree—illustrates the enduring truth behind the Governor’s Volunteer Awards: that the heart of Texas still beats strongest in those who serve.
