For more information, contact:
The St. Louis Sports Commission
314-345-5121
bshulman@stlsports.org

SPORTS COMMISSION'S SPORTSMANSHIP BRIGADE OUT IN FORCE BEGINNING TOMORROW

PROGRAM UNIQUE TO ST. LOUIS RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING CHARACTER AT YOUTH ATHLETIC EVENTS

            ST. LOUIS – Sept. 30, 2011 – Volunteers dispatched by the St. Louis Sports Commission have their orders.  They’re on a mission to combat poor sportsmanship and spotlight shining examples of character in competition.  The Sportsmanship Brigade is coming to a field near you. 

Throughout October, the Sports Commission’s Sportsmanship Brigade will appear at youth football games across the region.  This innovative program – created this year – rewards acts of great sportsmanship by young athletes and youth sports coaches, parents and fans.  Brigade volunteers scout area youth sports events looking for spontaneous moments of sportsmanship and examples of outstanding character.  Once observed, they personally recognize those exemplary acts by presenting a certificate of recognition and a gift card to the deserving individual.  The recipient can be a player, coach or fan.

Brigade members will appear at St. Louis Junior Football League and Mid-Rivers Junior Football Association games on the following October dates:

Date                                  Time               Location                                                  Teams
Saturday Oct. 1               1:30 p.m.       Brown Road Park (St. Peters)              JCYA vs. Mid-Rivers
Monday, Oct. 10              6:30 p.m.       Mathews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club    U-City vs. Mathews-Dickey
Saturday, Oct. 15            3:30 p.m.       Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club      Outlaws vs. Herbert Hoover
Saturday, Oct. 22           12:30 p.m.      Miller Park (University City)                  Mathews-Dickey vs. U-City    

“Our goal is to encourage the development of positive sports environments for kids by promoting and publicly acknowledging great sportsmanship,” said Solomon Alexander, director of the Sports Commission’s Sportsmanship Initiative.  “By spotlighting those who do the right thing at the right moment, the Brigade reinforces the importance of sportsmanship.”

The Sportsmanship Brigade is one of several programs implemented by the Sports Commission’s Sportsmanship Initiative.  The programs create positive environments for kids to play sports so they remain active and lead healthier, happier lives. 

According to Michigan State University’s Institute for the Study of Youth Sports, 70 percent of children quit organized sports by age 13.  The No. 1 reason kids provide for why they don’t play sports anymore is that parents make it no fun.  The Sports Commission wants to reverse this trend in St. Louis.  After all, when children enjoy sports, they are more likely to stay involved and reap the benefits sports provide like a decreased risk of obesity and character-building values such as teamwork, dedication and discipline.  Children participating in sports tend to achieve higher results in school, develop excellent interpersonal skills and lead healthier lives.

So far this year, the Sportsmanship Brigade has made appearances at youth baseball and soccer games as well as several high school football contests.  Multiple young athletes and coaches have been recognized for their actions.

The Sports Commission is looking for volunteers who would like to join the Brigade and area youth sports organizations that wish to participate in the program.  Potential volunteers and host organizations can call 314-345-5130 or visit www.stlsportsmanship.org for more information.

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 -