Information on Disney Sports Spirit Award for football: Please nominate deserving candidates!

Information on Disney Sports Spirit Award for football: Please nominate deserving candidates!

Nominations are being accepted for the Disney Spirit Award, a football honor annually given to college football's most inspirational student-athlete, team or figure. It is an award based the student-athletes' impact off the playing field - not on stats or a team's record. On Thursday, Dec. 8, the award will be presented for the 16th consecutive year. It will be presented during the live telecast of The Home Depot College Football Awards at Walt Disney World Resort.

Below is a letter from the program's PR manager.

CLICK HERE for award background information and past recipients.


Members of CoSIDA,

ESPN is working to help Disney Sports in its search for college football's most inspirational figure, to honor with the Disney Sports Spirit Award.

Since 1996, the Spirit Award has been presented annually to college football's most inspirational student-athlete, team or figure. It isn't based on stats or a team's record, but rather the impact created off the field. The award will be presented for the 16th consecutive year, Thursday, Dec. 8, during the live telecast of The Home Depot College Football Awards at Walt Disney World Resort.

If you are aware of an inspirational figure in college football at your school or within your conference, we encourage you to nominate that individual or team for this year's Disney Sports Spirit Award as early as possible. Disney Sports and ESPN College GameDay regularly share story ideas to feature during their broadcasts.

Last year's recipient, Arkansas tight end D.J. Williams (pictured, right), overcame a fractured upbringing, accentuated by a drug-addicted, abusive father, to become a star student-athlete and advocate for domestic abuse awareness. In 2009, Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich was recognized for his inspirational battle with a rare form of bone cancer and his extraordinary support of cancer research.

In 2008, University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow received the award for his inspiring acts of humanitarianism. The year before, U.S. Naval Academy slot back Zerbin Singleton displayed an unwavering determination, overcoming a serious car wreck and a series of family tragedies to follow his dream of one day joining the U.S. space program.

Nominations should be directed to Tony Morreale, Disney Sports, at: tony.morreale@disney.com. The deadline for nominations is Oct. 31.

We hope you will take a moment to submit a nomination as early as possible and we encourage you to contact us if you require any additional information concerning the Disney Sports Spirit Award program.


Sincerely,

Tony Morreale
Sports Publicity Manager
Disney Destinations, LLC
email: tony.morreale@disney.com