NBC SPORTS REGIONAL NETWORKS & SPORTSENGINE ANNOUNCE “FAIR PLAY” – STUDENT ATHLETE OF THE MONTH CONTEST WINNERS

Top Student-Athletes Recognized for their Determination, Perseverance, and Dedication Both On & Off the Field

“Fair Play: Youth Sports in America” Documentary Video Clips and Local Tune-In Information Available at NBCSports.com/FairPlay

Stamford, Conn. – July 6, 2018 – On the heels of the recent coast-to-coast RSN premiere of its multi-platform documentary project, Fair Play: Youth Sports in America, presented by GEICO, NBC Sports Regional Networks, along with SportsEngine, Inc., the leading software provider of sports life management solutions for teams, clubs, and leagues, have announced the winners of its inaugural Fair Play – Student Athlete of the Month” contest.

The Fair Play – Student of the Month contest was conducted last month in multiple NBC Sports Regional Network markets – including Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Northwest, Philadelphia, and Washington – to highlight student athletes (ages 13 and older) who best demonstrate determination, perseverance, and dedication, and serve as a positive influence in their respective communities through their participation in sports and academics.

Each NBC Sports Regional Network, along with SportsEngine, judged their respective region’s contest submissions and chose an official winner based on three main criteria: academic performance, athletic performance, and social/community impact.

“The goal of the Fair Play initiative was to shine a light on the benefits and also on the sometimes difficult aspects of the $15 billion youth sports industry,” said Ted Griggs, President, Group and Strategic Production & Programming Leader for NBC Sports Regional Networks. “Among the many aspects of this initiative was to make sure we spotlight student athletes who are making a difference in their communities. We couldn’t be more honored to be able to recognize some of these great kids.”

Following is a list of the official winners of the inaugural Fair Play – Student Athlete of the Month” contest:

BAY AREA

Winner: Gloria Leonard (14 years old)

Hometown: Los Banos, CA

Sports: Volleyball, Basketball, Swimming

BOSTON

Winner: Celia Walsh (17 years old)

Hometown: Walpole, MA

Sports: Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Indoor Track & Field

CHICAGO 

Winner: Keside “Kessie” Olekanma (17 years old)

Hometown: Downers Grove, IL

Sports: Track & Field, Volleyball

NORTHWEST

Winner: Dalton Rasmussen (18 years old)

Hometown: Roseburg, OR

Sports: Track & Field (Javelin)

PHILADELPHIA

Winner: Carli Ginther (17 years old)

Hometown: Collegeville, PA

Sports: Beach Volleyball

WASHINGTON

Winner: Jessica Chai (16 years old)

Hometown: Germantown, MD

Sports: Synchronized Figure Skating

SPORTSENGINE

Winner: Hanna Sveen (18 years old)

Hometown: Eyota, MB

Sports: Softball, Soccer, Basketball

Fair Play: Youth Sports in America will premiere on NBC Owned Television Stations (schedule below) and will encore nationally on NBCSN. Below is the schedule:

For additional Fair Play: Youth Sports in America documentary air dates/times, along with featured video clips, podcasts, trivia, and much more, viewers can visit NBCSports.com/FairPlay.

—NBC SPORTS REGIONAL NETWORKS—