50 states, 50 outstanding youth in sports

Parks & Recreation, June, 2003

The Starter All-American Teen program, part of Sports Illustrated's 50th anniversary celebration, will recognize one exceptional teenager per state between July 2003 and July 2004. Honorees must be between 13 and 19 years of age, participate in organized athletics as a player, coach, equipment manager, statistician, etc. and be an exemplary role model for their peers and community. The award will be given to teens who not only participate in athletics, but also inspire with their behavior away from sports. Some will be classroom leaders, others will be devoted to community service and still others will have overcome great obstacles to achieve what they have. All will be true heroes among their peers because of the exceptional way they live their lives.

Shaquille O'Neal and other celebrity judges will be selecting each state winner from nominations collected at a Web site and other youngsters nominated through independent research. Sports Illustrated will profile the award winners on a biweekly basis. Top runners-up will be recognized in an online honor roll for their state. To give someone from your town or someone else you know a chance to appear in Sports Illustrated as your state's Starter All-American Teen, go to www.si.com/ allamericanteen. NRPA is an official charity partner of Sports Illustrated's 50th Anniversary Celebration.