For more information, contact:
The St. Louis Sports Commission
314-992-0684
ncohan@stlouissports.org

            ST. LOUIS —April 16, 2007 – Just one month before he is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Tony Gwynn will be honored in St. Louis at the 2007 AT&T National Sportsmanship Awards.  The 15-time All-Star, eight-time batting champion and baseball ambassador will receive the Career Achievement Award from the Citizenship Through Sports Alliance at the organization’s event June 21.  The CTSA partners with the St. Louis Sports Commission to present the annual awards dinner, which takes place at the Chase Park Plaza’s Khorassan Ballroom.

Appearing with the first-ballot hall-of-famer will be Sharon Robinson, daughter of the late Jackie Robinson.  The CTSA, Sports Commission and Major League Baseball invited Sharon to this year’s AT&T National Sportsmanship Awards to celebrate her father’s courage, integrity and excellence.  This season, baseball marks the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the sport’s color barrier.  Both Gwynn and Sharon Robinson will participate in a live keynote interview at the event.

“Tony Gwynn and Jackie Robinson represent the ideals of the National Sportsmanship Awards,” said CTSA Chair Ron Stratten.  “Tony’s career is defined by his class, grace and charm; and Jackie was known for his determination, teamwork, and citizenship.  We couldn’t be more fortunate to have the chance to recognize these two stars, especially at such a significant time.  We thank our friends at Major League Baseball for their help in allowing us to honor two icons of the game.” 

The AT&T National Sportsmanship Awards celebrates athletes and personalities from around the nation who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship, citizenship, ethical conduct, and community service.  It is one of the most prestigious awards events in the country.  The awards program features national superstars and local favorites, as well as individuals who may not necessarily be household names, but bring with them the most heartwarming stories.

In addition to appearances by Gwynn and Robinson, the event’s success will be enhanced by the presence of AT&T.  Beginning this year, AT&T is the title sponsor of the National Sportsmanship Awards. 

“AT&T has been a wonderful partner of the Sports Commission and a generous supporter of the entire St. Louis community,” said Sports Commission President Frank Viverito.  “It means so much to have the AT&T brand connected to the National Sportsmanship Awards, an event that has such great value and is so special to our organization.  We especially thank (AT&T Missouri President) Cindy Brinkley and (AT&T Vice President) John Sondag for their belief in the event and their appreciation for how inspiring the awards dinner can be.”

The complete lineup of honorees being recognized at the 2007 AT&T National Sportsmanship Awards will be announced in the coming weeks.  Award recipients represent the CTSA’s member organizations, including the NCAA, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, the National Junior College Athletic Association, the National Federation of State High School Associations, and others.  In addition, representatives from St. Louis’ professional franchises will be honored.  Last year’s honorees included 2006 Olympic gold medalist Joey Cheek, Rams receiver Isaac Bruce, baseball hall-of-famer Lou Brock, and Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz.  

The AT&T National Sportsmanship Awards is the signature event of the Sports Commission’s Sportsmanship Initiative.  By recognizing outstanding individuals who set a high standard with their approach on and off the field, the organization hopes to set the tone for all parents, coaches and fans to be “good sports” and to pass those values on to children in the community.  It is the Sports Commission’s goal to make St. Louis a model community for good sportsmanship and home to America’s “best sports.”

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.

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