For more information, contact:
The St. Louis Sports Commission
Marc Schreiber
Vice President - Marketing & Development
314-345-5120
mschreiber@stlsports.org
OR
Solomon Alexander
St. Louis Sports Foundation Director
314-345-5130
salexander@stlsports.org

ST. LOUIS SPORTS COMMISSION SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR
$2,500 SPORTSMANSHIP SCHOLARSHIP

AWARD TO RECOGNIZE GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL
SENIOR FROM ST. LOUIS REGION WHO
EXEMPLIFIES OUTSTANDING SPORTSMANSHIP

APPLICATION AND NOMINATION FORM NOW AVAILABLE

            ST. LOUIS – March 17, 2010 – The St. Louis Sports Commission is now accepting nominations for its annual Sportsmanship Scholarship.  Unique to the region, the $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school senior from the St. Louis metro area who demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship in athletic competition.  The scholarship is part of the Sports Commission’s ongoing Sportsmanship Initiative and efforts to promote sportsmanship in the community.

The Sportsmanship Scholarship application and nomination form can be obtained online at www.stlsportsmanship.org or by calling 314-345-5130.  Nominations must be received by June 15, 2010.  The recipient will be selected by July 15 and recognized at the 2010 National Sportsmanship Awards in
St. Louis.

Scholarship candidates should be nominated for exemplifying the ideals and values of sportsmanship: honesty, integrity, selflessness, kindness, compassion and class.  While off-field activities and community service are applauded, scholarship candidates will be evaluated primarily for their approach and character in competition.  Athletic performance (wins and other statistics) are not a factor.  Those connected to athletic teams, such as student managers, can also be considered for the scholarship should their leadership and behavior represent an extraordinary standard and model for all in sports to follow.

The Sportsmanship Scholarship was created in 2009 by the St. Louis Sports Commission Associates – a group of young professionals from the St. Louis area who volunteer to support the organization’s efforts.  The Associates raise funds for the scholarship and select the recipient.  Last year, they awarded the inaugural Sportsmanship Scholarship to Trent Ross, a graduate of Triad High School in Troy, Ill.  Ross, who received $2,500 to support his education at Western Illinois University, was recognized for his tremendous character and humble approach as a member of the Triad track and field and cross country teams.

The Sports Commission Associates will host a fundraiser for the Sportsmanship Scholarship on Thursday, March 25.  The group is organizing a basketball watch party at El Borracho in downtown St. Louis.  Tickets are $10 per person.  To purchase tickets or to obtain more information, visit www.stlsports.org/associates.

The St. Louis Sports Commission is the privately funded nonprofit organization that benefits St. Louis through sports.

Its mission is to make the St. Louis region a better place to live, visit, work and play through sports.

- www.stlsports.org -