As part of its mission, the St. Louis Sports Commission works to promote sportsmanship in the metro area. The organization implements programs that create positive environments for kids to play sports and reinforces the importance of respect, civility, selflessness and integrity at all levels.
At the forefront of the Sports Commission’s efforts around sportsmanship is the Musial Awards. Since 2005, the organization has produced this unique national event, which recognizes the greatest moments of sportsmanship, class and character over the past year. The event and its awards are named for Stan “The Man” Musial, the late St. Louis Cardinals Hall-of-Famer who was one of the greatest players in baseball history and the ultimate good sport.
In 2012, expanding on its efforts in St. Louis, the Sports Commission created the National Sportsmanship Foundation to empower people across the nation to lead healthier, happier lives through the values of sportsmanship. This national movement based in St. Louis aims to inspire people to be good sports — all in hopes of creating a move civil society.
The National Sportsmanship Foundation also developed the Good Sport Club, which recognizes that we all win if we make space for more play, more joy, and better sportsmanship in our lives. The Good Sport Club has created a movement that is resonating in all aspects of life, from the locker room to the boardroom.
The Good Sport Club aims to inspire people to make their communities stronger and more resilient. This is done by modeling, recognizing and rewarding acts of sportsmanship; not just for professional athletes, but for everyday heroes like coaches, parents, teachers, referees, and children. By practicing and living the values of sportsmanship, we can all become more productive citizens of society.