Aria 3B Orthopaedic Institute announces winners of first annual High School Sportsmanship Award

The Aria 3B Orthopaedic Institute, a part of the Aria Health system, today announced the winners of the first annual High School Sportsmanship Award, a local scholarship program, sponsored by the Aria Health Foundation, developed to recognize those high school athletes who embody sportsmanship on and off the field. In its inaugural year, the program selected 21 student athletes from high schools represented in Philadelphia, Lower Bucks County and South Jersey.

The selected student athletes are true champions of sportsmanship who have consistently displayed outstanding qualities such as demonstrating respect and courtesy for teammates, coaches and opponents; practicing fairness while playing; and encouraging teammates to exhibit these same qualities, while also promoting fun on the field. Shining examples of student athletes honored by the Aria 3B Orthopaedic Institute High School Sportsmanship Award include:

• A basketball player who coordinated team-building activities such as roller skating night, movie night and youth Saturdays, during which the team worked with the elementary-level athletes.
• A softball player who helped the opposing team's pitcher correct her pitching form after the game.
• A volleyball player with a leadership position in "Athletes Helping Athletes," a school club that assists special needs athletes in practice.
• A transfer student who demonstrated a positive attitude, respect for the game and support for his teammates during a difficult transition onto a new team.
• A soccer captain who offered guidance and support to her teammates after the death of a teammate.

"The Aria 3B Orthopaedic Institute developed the High School Sportsmanship Award as a way to shine a light on the importance of sportsmanship and positive play during a time when immense competitive pressure is put on young athletes," said Arthur R. Bartolozzi, MD, director of sports medicine and orthopaedic surgeon at the Aria 3B Orthopaedic Institute. "Participating in high school sports gives student athletes an opportunity to lead healthy lifestyles, build character and learn valuable life lessons. We are proud to honor these students who value sportsmanship, respect their fellow athletes and demonstrate the qualities that will help them succeed well beyond their years as competitive athletes."

Winners of the Aria 3B Orthopaedic Institute High School Sportsmanship Award will be recognized at an awards breakfast ceremony in Spring 2016, among other student athletes, principals, athletic directors and their parents. Each of the 21 winners will receive a $1,000 scholarship to the college of their choice, funded by the Aria Health Foundation.