Disney Channel Earns Prestigious Humanitas Prize for Second Consecutive Year

Disney Channel Earns Prestigious Humanitas Prize for Second Consecutive Year
Film That Tackles Issues of Spina Bifida Honored in the Humanitas Prize Children's Live Action Category

The Humanitas Prize Organization awarded writers Joel Kauffmann and Donald C. Yost its prestigious Humanitas Prize today in the Children's Live Action Category for their creation of Disney Channel's original movie, "Miracle in Lane 2," an inspiring tale about soap box derby racer Justin Yoder (Frankie Muniz), a vivacious twelve-year-old who uses a wheelchair as a result of a birth defect.

The Humanitas Prize, created 26 years ago, annually honors writers in the entertainment industry whose work enriches and enlightens their audiences. The prizes are given to the writers of those television programs and motion pictures that do the most to communicate human values to their viewers.

This marks the second consecutive win for Disney Channel in this category. Last year, the organization awarded writer Paris Qualles its prestigious Humanitas Prize in the Children's Live Action Category for his creation of Disney Channel's original movie, "The Color of Friendship," an inspiring and hopeful film that addresses the issues of race relations and tolerance through the friendship of two teenage girls.

Disney Channel's "Miracle in Lane 2" is a heartwarming movie inspired by a true story. The film tells the tale of Justin Yoder, a courageous twelve-year-old kid with a real zest for life and a wonderful sense of humor, despite the fact that he must use a wheelchair to get around.

Justin's older brother, Seth, is a tremendous athlete, and Justin is envious of all of the trophies and accolades Seth has received for sports. Justin decides that he wants a trophy, too, and he sets out on a mission to win one any way he can.

First Justin tries baseball. Then, he gives chess a go. He even helps his grouchy neighbor, Vic, win an antique car contest -- all to no avail. Then Vic introduces Justin to soap box derby racing. Justin finds that he is a natural at the sport, and, against all odds, his talent, perseverance and enthusiasm take him all the way to the national championship. Along the way, he teaches everyone around him exactly what it means to be a winner.

Since its inception in 1974, the Humanitas Prize has presented 190 prizes and dispersed more than $2 million in prize money to television and motion picture writers whose work honestly explores the complexities of the human experience and sheds light on the positive values of life.

Each year, the Humanitas Prize holds 9 Master Writers Workshops presented by today's leading writers. Winners of the Humanitas Prize have included: Steven Bochco ("Hill Street Blues"); Alan Alda ("M*A*S*H"); Horton Foote ("William Faulkner's Old Man"); Steven Zaillian ("Schindler's List"); Tim Robbins ("Dead Man Walking"); Matt Damon and Ben Affleck ("Good Will Hunting"); and Aaron Sorkin ("Sports Night," "West Wing").

-- Posted June 29, 2001

Source: Company Press Release