USA Today Essay Contest

See 2011 winners / read their essays

For 20 years, USA TODAY and the Institute for International Sport have co-sponsored an annual essay contest in support of National Sportsmanship Day. Students from elementary school to college/university are invited to write an essay of 500 words or less that addresses a sportsmanship theme of their choosing. Essays speak to any aspect of ethics and sportsmanship in society or share personal reflections of exemplary or poor sportsmanship.

The best essays in the following categories will be published by USA TODAY on National Sportsmanship Day:

• Elementary School
• Middle School
• High School
• College/University

Essays may be submitted via e-mail to nsd@internationalsport.org or via post to:

NSD Essay Contest
Institute for International Sport
PO Box 1710
Kingston, RI 02881

By submitting an essay, the student gives permission to USA TODAY and the Institute for International Sport to print it.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT ESSAY: FEBRUARY 28, 2012

Winning essays will be announced by the Institute for International Sport and USA TODAY on National Sportsmanship Day.