“MARPSA GoodSports” Award Recipients Honored

(Salisbury, MD) The Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism selected two county residents to represent local sports at the annual “Mid-Atlantic Recreation and Parks Sports Alliance GoodSport Awards Ceremony” held on February 15 at the Maryland State House in Annapolis. The event included a reception co-hosted by the Alliance and Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates Michael Busch followed by recognition of all recipients at the evening’s General Assembly session.

The MARPSA GoodSports Award program provides an opportunity for member agencies to recognize both young athletes and coaches who have modeled GoodSports behaviors in local athletics. Katie Seaton, a participant in the Wicomico County Junior Girls Softball League, represented County athletes and William Teagle, a Junior Girls Softball coach and Softball Federation member represented County coaches at the ceremony. Both were awarded Sportsmanship awards at the Wicomico County’s 2009 Annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet held in December.

Seaton was recognized for her commitment, dedication, and for always being a team player. She is an athlete that is dedicated, dependable, performs any skill, and gives 100% all the time. She is a player that will do anything you ask, maintain composure at all times, and treat adults, teammates, and opponents with kindness and respect. Her willingness and team first attitude would make any coach proud.

Teagle displayed outstanding morals and values when coaching his youth Softball teams. He is both a patient teacher and an encouraging, supportive coach. He has a way of motivating his players and making sure that the game is fun for his team. He is respectful to the other coaches and umpires in the league, and he demands the same from his team and his parents. He exemplified the positive approach expected of youth coaches during games and practices.

The Mid-Atlantic Recreation and Parks’ Sports Alliance is a consortium of Recreation and Parks Departments, organizations representing sports officials, and sport governing bodies in the region. Each member organization designates one player and one coach to represent their community as a model of GoodSports.

The mission of the Alliance is to develop and communicate a consistent message that organizations and their players, coaches and spectators will be held accountable to a code of conduct that promotes GoodSports and keeps recreational competitive and non-competitive sporting activities in proper perspective.