I just learned about a new award given out by an organization of which, I again, am just becoming aware. This is what makes publishing this blog so much fun.

Trusted Sports has partnered up with Daniel ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger, the subject of the inspirational film RUDY, to give out the High School Rudy Award, an  honor that, “will not be won by the most talented players with the best stats, but rather measure the size of a player’s heart.  We are searching for high school football players who demonstrate what Rudy calls “The Four C’s”: Character, Courage, Contribution and Commitment.”

Putting together such an award program is a smart way for Trusted Sports to publicize its broader goals. The organization can attract the attention of athletes, parents, coaches, administrators and media who may initially be interested in the award being given out. Trusted Sports’ overriding goal – to improve the experience for all involved in the youth sports world – can be lost in a wildly saturated news – often bad news – world, so enacting a program like the Rudy Awards serves both as a way to recognize achievement and educate many about the value of the efforts behind those achievements.

You can read the press release announcing the 30 semifinalists at http://www.trustedsports.com/news_room/trusted_sports_news.php.

To connect with the 30 semifinalists’ exciting life stories and vote for your favorite, go to www.HighSchoolRudyAwards.com.

By the way, the 2009 Selection Committee includes former Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints Head Coach, Jim Mora Sr.; NBC Football Sideline Reporter, Andrea Kremer; former Seattle Seahawks running back and NFL MVP, Shaun Alexander; former New England Patriots quarterback and four time pro bowl selection, Drew Bledsoe; and Inside the NFL Special Correspondent, Jenn Brown.