For more information, contact:
The St. Louis Sports Commission
314-992-0687
dbray@stlouissports.org

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN SPORTS:

NATIONAL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARDS DINNER HIGHLIGHTS “SPORTSMANSHIP WEEKEND” IN ST. LOUIS

“GOOD SPORTS DAY” ALSO TAKES PLACE AS THE ST. LOUIS
SPORTS COMMISSION CELEBRATES “THE BEST IN SPORTS”

ST. LOUIS – June 9, 2006 – The best in sports will be in America’s best sports city this weekend. The St. Louis Sports Commission and Citizenship Through Sports Alliance host the National Sportsmanship Awards Dinner and “Good Sports Day” to celebrate “Sportsmanship Weekend” in the Gateway City.

The highlight of the weekend is the 2006 National Sportsmanship Awards Saturday at the Chase Park Plaza. The Awards Dinner features amazing stories of integrity, selflessness, courage, and sportsmanship. Eighteen of the nation’s most respected athletes and administrators will be recognized, including: St. Louis Rams wide receiver Isaac Bruce; baseball hall of famer Lou Brock; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Hollis Thomas; and Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz. Olympic speedskating gold and silver medalist Joey Cheek will take part in a live “Keynote Interview” with sportscaster Bob Costas.

The National Sportsmanship Awards Dinner honors outstanding athletes who promote the values of sportsmanship, ethical play in athletic competition, citizenship and community service. Each year, the CTSA presents the awards to honorees from each of its member organizations, which include: Major League Baseball, the NCAA, NAIA, NHL, NBA, WNBA and others. The alliance is the largest coalition of professional and amateur athletics organizations in the United States focused on sportsmanship and building character through sport. The Awards Dinner begins at 7 p.m. and is open to the public. To purchase tickets, call 314-992-0686 or visit www.stlsports.org/NSA.

The 2006 “Good Sports Day” will be held in conjunction with the annual Hollis Thomas Area Youth Football & Cheerleading Mini-Camp on Saturday. Parents of young athletes are invited to attend the free event from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Wohl Recreation Center Gymnasium in St. Louis. The event features the NAIA Champions of Character seminar, a health symposium, and employment, educational and networking opportunities. For more information or to register for “Good Sports Day,” call 314-992-0689.

“SPORTSMANSHIP WEEKEND” IN ST. LOUIS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS