Huge congratulations to Asphalt Green Soccer Club members Dani Bergman Chudnow and Mary Kate McGranahan for winning New York Sports Connection’s youth essay contest in their respective age groups. Dani won the ninth-and 10th-grade division, and Mary Kate took the top prize in the eighth-grade division.
Many students across the city submitted 400-to 500-word essays on “what sportsmanship means to me.” The essays were judged based on originality, emotional appeal, use of the theme, spelling and grammar, and writing skills. Winners received $500 in cash prizes.
We’re so proud of Dani and Mary Kate! They put into words what Asphalt Green tries to instill each of our athletes.
An excerpt from Dani’s essay:
“Sportsmanship is something that happens in the defining moments on the field, and in the less visible moments off the field. It is an all-empowering feeling that cannot be quantified by a final score or championship trophy.”
Read her full essay here.
An excerpt from Mary Kate’s essay:
“Sportsmanship consists of a loser holding their head up high and showing respect for the winning side and the winner reflecting the same respect back on the losing side. Sportsmanship does not stop once you step off the field, or court, or track; in fact, that is when it is just beginning.”
Read her full essay here.