Colorado Springs, CO, July 2, 2007 - LifeScan, Inc. announced the 2007 recipients of the LifeScan Prize for Athletic Achievement on June 30 at the annual meeting of the Diabetes Exercise and Sports Association (DESA).

This year's winners - two athletes whose determination and accomplishments make them excellent role models for others with diabetes - each received a $5,000 cash prize funded by LifeScan, a Johnson & Johnson company and a leading maker of blood glucose monitoring products for people with diabetes.

The awards were presented by DESA, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with diabetes through exercise and physical fitness. DESA's membership includes people with diabetes and healthcare professionals.

This year's winners are:

• Monique Hanley (Victoria, Australia). Monique, 29, was diagnosed with diabetes when she was 19. She is a track cyclist whose goal is to represent her country at the 2008 World Track Cycling Championships in the team pursuit. Among her cycling feats is her 7,800 km ride across Canada in 66 days and her solo following of the Tour de France. Monique was awarded a bronze medal for the Individual Pursuit at the 2007 Australian National Track Championships. She is also the current state champion in the Individual Pursuit and Points Score cycling event.

  Monique is also a team member of "Team Type 1," an all-type-1 diabetic team competing in the 2007 Race Across America bike race. As a committed advocate for people with diabetes, Monique co-founded HypoActive, a community network group dedicated to promoting an active lifestyle for those with type 1 diabetes. She currently serves as president of the organization.

• Mauro Sormani (Sormano, Italy). Diagnosed at age 9, Mauro, now 31 has achieved excellence in his physical endurance abilities. Last year he placed third in the world's most demanding ski race: The Arctic Circle Race. In addition to cross-country skiing, Mauro has also climbed numerous 4,000-meter peaks, hiking technically demanding routes.

  In 2002, he reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa at 5,895 meters; the same year he also reached 7,560 meters on Cho-Oyu in the Himalayas without supplemental oxygen or high-altitude porters. Three years later, he reached 6,850 meters with the ISLET expedition to Pik Lenin, a peak in Central Asia. Since 2003, Mauro has completed rock climbs at the highest grades (grades indicate the level of difficulty of a particular climb) and has helped open new routes for climbers in the Prealps. Additionally, Mauro roller-skis at the top national level and is currently lead coach for the Italian National Roller-Ski team.

"Monique and Mauro are role models for everyone with diabetes. LifeScan is proud to join with DESA in honoring their achievements. They have accomplished outstanding physical feats, despite having diabetes," said Charles Renfroe, Director of Professional and Patient Relations at LifeScan. "The recipients of the 2007 LifeScan/DESA awards prove to everyone that people with diabetes can dream big, and live their dreams."

DESA also presented its Lew Harper Memorial Youth Award for outstanding achievement by a young athlete. This year's winner is 18-year-old Emily Chaddock, diagnosed with diabetes at age 9. Emily has been the MVP of her high school softball team for three years and has pitched in four national softball tournaments. She also is receiving a $5,000 cash prize to pursue her athletic goals. The award is named in memory of DESA founder Lew Harper.

Applications for the LifeScan/DESA award are accepted year-round and are available by calling DESA at 1 800 898-4322, through visiting the DESA Web site at www.diabetes-exercise.org, or by writing to DESA at 8001 Montcastle Dr., Nashville, TN 37221.

Founded in 1985, DESA exists to enhance the quality of life for people with diabetes through exercise and physical fitness. Their goals include supporting and encouraging exercise among all people with diabetes. They seek members with type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes and those who offer them medical care and advice.

LifeScan, a Johnson & Johnson company and a leading maker of blood glucose monitoring products, is dedicated to creating a world without limits for people with diabetes. Every day, people with diabetes rely on the company's OneTouch® Systems for simple testing and accurate results. For healthcare professional resources, and information about diabetes care and LifeScan products and services, visit www.LifeScan.com.