CNN Heroes is a terrific initiative to highlight the positive works of everyday individuals around the country and around the world. Right now voting is taking place to pick the “Hero of the Year.” This is a situation in which it really is true that everyone nominated is already a winner. You can see this year’s candidates and the 10 finalists at http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cnn.heroes/index.html. (CNN really should do less of Jon & Kate and Nancy Grace and more of this type of programming)

Below are short descriptions of the nominated individuals who do work involving sports, recreation, or leisure.

Alex Griffith – Alex Griffith, 16, was adopted as a baby from a Krasnoyarsk, Russia, hospital. Today, he’s raised more than $60,000 to design and build the Krasnoyarsk Playground, which he dedicated to the hospital on his last birthday.   Video – Breaking News Videos from CNN.com

Pamela Green-Jackson – Pamela Green-Jackson lost her brother to an obesity-related illness. Today, her Youth Becoming Healthy program provides free fitness and nutrition education to hundreds of middle school students in Albany, Georgia. Video – Breaking News Videos from CNN.com

Ed Nicholson – Retired Navy Capt. Ed Nicholson started Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing to help rehabilitate wounded service members and veterans. Since 2005, his program has grown to more than 50 locations nationwide.  Video – Breaking News Videos from CNN.com

Flavio Canto – Brazilian judo athlete Flavio Canto is helping children from Rio de Janeiro’s toughest shanty towns improve their lives. His Reaction Institute has provided free judo and education programs to more than 1,000 young people.  Video – Breaking News Videos from CNN.com