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Add another major award to Philadelphia’s Taney Dragons, United States Runners-Up in the 2014 Little League World Series.
The Dragons have been named “Team of the Year” by the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association (PSWA). Manager Alex Rice, his coaching staff and all team members will be honored at PSWA’s annual awards dinner (open to the public) on Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 at Cherry Hill’s (N.J.) Crowne Plaza – sharing the spotlight with some of the best current and past professional and collegiate athletes from Philadelphia and the nation.
“Taney’s accomplishments transcend sports,” says PSWA president Ron Corbin. “They were chosen for representing Philadelphia and the region, and because the organization’s approach is a textbook example of what sports – and especially youth sports – are all about.”
Taney’s website says it all: “Help teach the values of good sportsmanship, teamwork, fair play, loyalty and discipline. And remember, you are here to have fun, too.”
Taney will be forever engraved on the same plaque as previous “Teams of the Year” the Phillies, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and New York City Heroes of 9/11.
This year, for the first time, PSWA will join with Philadelphia-Area colleges and universities through the PhillySIDA (Sports Information Directors Association) honoring the All-Area Student-Athlete Team and a Performer of the Year in each of the sports. An overall male and female performer are also chosen.
Other awards presented annually include Outstanding Professional and Amateur Athletes, Living Legend, Native Son, Humanitarian, Good Guy and one of the nation’s most recognized awards Most Courageous Athlete – kept secret until it is presented. It is presented to an amateur or professional who was able to return to his or her sport after a serious injury or other set back.
The 2015 PSWA Dinner marks the 111th for the organization founded in 1904. Those honored over the years include Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Stan Musial, Reggie Jackson, Joe DiMaggio, Muhammad Ali, Robin Roberts, Wilt Chamberlain, Guy Rodgers, Julius Erving, Chuck Bednarik, Brad Lidge, Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Kathy Rush, Carli Lloyd, Elena Delle Donne, Lois Gilmore, Nicole Hester, Sheila Reid, Kristen Lange, Tommy John, Terry-Jo Myers and others.
The PSWA Dinner is open to the public. Tickets are available at www.pswadinner.org.
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[To comment: larry at larry litwin dot com]