MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
USA TODAY NETWORK, part of Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE:GCI) and comprising USA TODAY and 109 local media brand including The Arizona Republic and Indianapolis Star launches its second annual Sports Awards program in 23 markets across the U.S. The series was created to honor the elite athletes in local high school sports and to celebrate the player, team and coaching accomplishments made throughout the season.
In addition, the USA TODAY NETWORK announced today a new award as part of Sports Awards program. The I AM SPORT Award, presented by Nike, will recognize high school athletes who are committed to getting kids active in their community. Community members across the nation are invited to nominate a student athlete who volunteers in programs off-the-field that encourage kids to be active.
An I AM SPORT Award will be presented by Nike at each Sports Awards event and will honor one student from each of the local communities. The nominees with the most votes in each market will be invited to attend their local Sports Awards program, connect with other local nominees, and celebrate the area’s first I AM SPORT Award.
“We are thrilled to bring this awards program to our some of our local communities with the support of Nike,” said Andy Yost, Chief Marketing Officer for USA TODAY NETWORK. “Nike makes a positive impact on communities across the nation and together we can recognize outstanding student athletes who are making a difference.”
“Nike believes that sport has the power to unleash human potential, and that lasting change can start with one—one student, one kid, one community at a time,” said Caitlin Morris, GM of Nike Global Community Impact. “The I AM SPORT Award celebrates high school athletes across the United States who are doing great work off the field to inspire the next generation of athletes in their communities by providing them with early, positive experiences in sport and physical activity. To us, there’s no one better to inspire these kids the than high school athletes who already experience and demonstrate the benefits of participation, and we congratulate all of the students who are committed to playing their love of sport forward.”
To nominate a student athlete, a nominator is required to provide a short essay outlining how the nominated athlete has demonstrated a sustained volunteer commitment with an organization or program that gets kids active through sport or physical activity, how the nominee has demonstrated initiative by going beyond expected school responsibilities, how this has impacted the community, and why the student deserves to win the award.
Nominations opened February 8th and close on March 7, 2017. Following, voting will open on March 8th and run through March 30th, 2017. For more information or to nominate for the awards, please visit http://sportsawards.usatoday.com/ or contact USA TODAY NETWORK with any questions.
About USA TODAY NETWORK
USA TODAY NETWORK is the largest local to national media network in the country. Powered by integrated and award-winning news organizations with deep roots in 109 local communities, plus USA TODAY, the multiplatform news network informs and engages more than 110 million people every month through its diverse portfolio of digital, mobile, and publishing products.
About NIKE, Inc.
NIKE, Inc., based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned NIKE, Inc. subsidiary brands include Converse, which designs, markets and distributes athletic lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories; and Hurley, which designs, markets and distributes surf and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, NIKE, Inc.’s earnings releases and other financial information are available on the Internet at http://investors.NIKE.com and individuals can follow @NIKE.
About Nike Community Impact
Nike believes in the power of sport to move the world and unleash human potential. However, the world is moving less and less, and today's generation of children is the least physically active ever. That’s why Nike works to get kids (ages 7-12) active early and for life, because active kids are happier, healthier and more successful. Together with its employees, partners, consumers and athletes, Nike also supports important causes that strengthen communities across the globe. Learn more.
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