Media Advisory distributed via e-mail

Department of Community and Recreation Services
12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1050
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
703-324-45641, TTY 711, Fax 703-222-9792
Patricia L. McClenic, Public Information Officer
DCRS@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec

May 16, 2008

Nominations Now Being Accepted for the
Annual Champions of Character Awards Program

The Fairfax County Athletic Council (FCAC) and the Department of Community and Recreation Services are now accepting awards for the annual Fairfax County Champions of Character Awards. Nominations may be submitted by individuals, sports organizations, civic groups, schools, and the faith community. You are invited to nominate outstanding youth and adults participating in any Fairfax County youth sports league, including interscholastic sports. Youth and adults must have demonstrated extraordinary service in the youth sports community while modeling the basic traits of good character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Nominees may be any player, coach, or parent participating in youth league sports in Fairfax County during the 2007-08 sports year. The following are the specific criteria for the nominations:

Coach Nominee

• A nominee should be an individual who has demonstrated outstanding strength of character while:
• Being respectful to opponents and game officials;
  
• Treating all team players fairly, giving attention to all players regardless of skill level;
  
• Recognizing the efforts of individual team members;
• Motivating teams and individuals in a positive manner;
• Focusing on long term goals, not just win/loss records;
• Promoting the concept that success is measured by individual and team effort, not by a scoreboard;
• Imparting knowledge and love of the game to the team in a positive manner;
• Taking responsibility for the behavior of self, team, and parents; and/or
• Exhibiting courage in defeat, and moderation in victory.
  

Parent Nominee

A nominee should be an individual who has demonstrated outstanding strength of character while:

• Being respectful to players, coaches and officials;
• Treating all players, coaches and parents fairly;
• Recognizing the efforts of individual team members and opposing team members;
• Motivating parents, teams, coaches and fans in a positive manner;
• Promoting the concept that success is measured by individual and team effort, not by a scoreboard;
• Demonstrating good sportsmanship by approving and applauding good team play, individual skill and good sportsmanship exhibited by players and coaches on both teams;
• Accepting volunteer roles to improve the communication and the needs of the coach and team;
• Exhibiting positive sportsmanship at all times.
  

Awards will be presented to one winner in each category—female player, male player, coach, and parent—from each magisterial district of the county. A selection committee composed of the Fairfax County Athletic Council members will review all submissions and determine the award winners. Award winners will be recognized by members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisor at a special ceremony that will be held at the Fairfax County Government Center on Tuesday, October 7, 2008 at 7 p.m. The awards are presented in conjunction with National Character Counts Month.

For more information or to have a Nomination Application mailed to you, call 703-324-5533, TTY 711 or you can download the application from our Website at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec.

Mail or deliver nominations to:

Fairfax County Community and Recreation Services
Athletic Services Division
12011 Government Center Parkway, 10th Floor
Fairfax, VA 22035-1115
athleticservices@fairfaxcounty.gov

Nominations must be received in the Athletic Services Division by 4 p.m. on Monday, June 30, 2008.

 

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Fairfax County is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in all county programs, services and activities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request. To request special accommodations call 703-324-4FUN (4386), TTY 711. Please allow ten working days in advance of the event in order to make the necessary arrangements.