The Jesse Owens Foundation Has Established The Jesse Owens Sportsmanship Award – Ohio State Buckeyes
2/7/2001 12:00:00 AM | General
Feb. 7, 2001
The Award, which will be presented annually, goes to a male and female athlete who has demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship during the previous year, either continuously or through a single recognizable act. This year’s hand cut crystal awards will be presented on May 5 at a gala dinner at the Wexner Farm Party Barn in New Albany, Ohio.
“A lack of good sportsmanship is all too prevalent in today’s sports,” said Marlene O. Rankin, daughter of the late Jesse Owens . “It is our hope that this award will encourage athletes, at all levels, to focus more on good sportsmanship so they will become better role models for our youth.
“What better name than Jesse Owens to honor athletes who have exemplified the qualities of sportsmanship and who are, through their accomplishments, role models for our nation’s youth?”
A vote by college athletic directors and their staffs, as well as members of the national print and broadcast media, will determine the award winners.
Some of the early nominees being considered are: Marion Jones, Jackie Joyner Kersee, Andre Agassi, Rulon Gardner, Monica Seles, Robert Smith, Dan O’Brien, Pete Sampras, Derek Jeter, Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Tiger Woods, Tom Lehman and Kerri Strug.
