Sprint and NFL Launch Essay Contest for 8th Graders

Posted on September 29, 1997

Sprint and the National Football League announced the "Sprint NFL Good Sports Essay Contest" as an official 1997 youth education program of the NFL. The national contest, which links education and fun, gives every eighth grader in the nation the chance to win one of five trips to Super Bowl XXXII in San Diego.

At least one school district in each NFL city is formally participating in the program as well as numerous schools in smaller cities outside of NFL markets. All eighth graders - whether their school is formally participating or not - may submit an essay that defines good sportsmanship in 200 words or less. Entries will be judged at the local, regional and national levels by current and former sports media.

Students will be encouraged to discuss the issue of sportsmanship with teachers, parents and peers and to consider its importance in competition. The essay must be signed by an eighth-grade English or language arts teacher as well as a parent or guardian.

All essays are due Oct. 3 and may be sent to "Sprint NFL Good Sports Essay Contest," 4600 Madison Suite 1300, Kansas City, MO 64112. Parents or teachers of eighth graders may get more information about the program by calling 1-800-669-1131 or by visiting the Good Sports Internet link at www.sprint.com.

The students are also asked to vote for the NFL player they believe provides the best example of good sportsmanship. For the purpose of this contest, the player must be a member of the NFL team located closest to the student's community. The player from each team who earns the most votes from the eighth-grade students in their area will become the "Sprint Good Sport" player for that NFL club.

Each of 30 student winners representing all of the participating NFL teams will win tickets to the closest NFL team's game and perhaps have the chance to attend Super Bowl XXXII in San Diego and participate on a panel with NFL players, media representatives and other authorities on youth and sportsmanship at the "Sprint NFL Good Sportsmanship Summit."