SPARTANBURG, SC –  The Spartanburg Methodist College baseball team recently visited Jesse S. Bobo Elementary School, as part of National Sportsmanship Day, to meet students and talk with them about good sportsmanship. 

The team spent the morning of March 9 meeting and talking with students at the school, participating in activities with them, and signing autographs. 

While talking about the Jesse S. Bobo Elementary School’s theme of being respectful, productive, and responsible, Coach Wallace told students  that “you need to be respectful of everyone, on and off the field. There are always little things you can do that show that you are a good sport.” 

He encouraged students not to quit, not to make up excuses, not to brag when they win, not to pout when they lose, not to cheat, have respect for their opponent, not to underestimate others, and not to overestimate themselves. 

“Remember the Golden Rule – and do unto others as you would have them do unto you. If you have to cheat to win, you haven’t earned it. Just play, have fun, and respect the game and each other,” said Wallace. 

The 2007 National Sportsmanship Day, organized by the Institute for International Sports, was celebrated by colleges and schools nationwide the entire week of March 6.  The event focuses on stressing good sportsmanship and ethics among all levels of sporting activities. 

“We are very honored to have the SMC baseball team on our campus teaching our students about good sportsmanship.  Good sportsmanship is a life long skill that our students will use throughout their lives, “ says Kenny Blackwood, principal of Jesse S. Bobo Elementary school. 

According to the Institute for International Sports, more than 13,500 schools nationally and internationally are expected to participate in National Sportsmanship Day. 

"I greatly appreciate Jesse Bobo Elementary allowing us to visit with the students on National Sportsmanship Day. Our student-athletes enjoyed spending time with the kids and it was a great way for us to educate outside of the classroom, both the Bobo kids and our own. I am sure that events such as this benefit all involved, “ Wallace said following the event. 

National Sportsmanship Day has been celebrated since 1991. The Institute for International Sports estimates that more than 80 million individuals have since participated in the event. 

“This is a great opportunity for SMC to be involved in the school system. Good sportsmanship is something that children of all ages can learn from and take on with them throughout their life. We’re excited about this opportunity to be able to give back to the children of this area,” says Mark Perdue, SMC athletic director. 

For more information, please contact athletic director Mark Perdue at (864) 587-4237.

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On the Net: http://www.internationalsport.com/nsd/