ORGANIZATION’S YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP TO AWARD $5,000 TO HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR WHO EXEMPLIFIES OUTSTANDING SPORTSMANSHIP

NOMINATION PACKET NOW AVAILABLE

ST. LOUIS – Jan. 14, 2014 – The St. Louis Sports Commission is accepting nominations for its annual Carl Fricks Sportsmanship Scholarship.  Unique to the region, the $5,000 scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school student from the St. Louis metro area who demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship and character in athletic competition.

Administered by the Sports Commission Associates – the Sports Commission’s young professionals group – the scholarship is part of the organization’s ongoing Sportsmanship Initiative and efforts to promote sportsmanship in the community.

The Sportsmanship Scholarship nomination packet can be obtained online atwww.stlsportsmanship.org or by calling 314-345-5130.  The nomination packet can also be viewed by clicking here. Nominations must be received by March 31, 2014.  The recipient will be selected by April 30.

Scholarship candidates should be nominated for embodying the ideals and values of sportsmanship – honesty, integrity, civility, selflessness, kindness, compassion and class – on the playing field.  Athletic performance (wins and other statistics) is not a factor in the selection.  Those connected to athletic teams, such as student managers, also are eligible for the scholarship should their leadership and behavior represent an extraordinary standard and model for all in sports to follow.  Greatest consideration will be given to nominees who demonstrate a track record of sportsmanship and respect directed at opponents, officials and the spirit of the game.

The Sports Commission Associates created the Sportsmanship Scholarship in 2009.  The group raises funds for the scholarship and selects the recipient.  In five years, the Associates have awarded $28,000 to 13 deserving area students.  Their bios can be viewed by clicking here.  The Associates host an annual Trivia Night to support the scholarship.  This year’s Trivia Night will take place in August.  To participate, call 314-345-5101.

In 2013, the Sportsmanship Scholarship was named in honor of the late Carl Fricks, whose daughter, Holly Yoakum, chaired the Associates group.  Holly was – and remains – a passionate champion for the scholarship, and her father embodied the virtues the award seeks to recognize.