The Nassau County Sports Commission (NCSC), the New York Mets and Athletes Helping Athletes recently announced the winners of the fourth consecutive Sportsmanship Essay Contest for Nassau County fifth graders. This year's contest drew more than 800 essays from approximately 35 elementary and middle schools throughout the county. These young sports champs were asked to describe their personal meaning of sportsmanship, name their sportsmanship role models and describe sportsmanship-like activities.

While all contestants were winners, only four final essays were selected. These four youngsters received four tickets to an upcoming Mets game along with a certificate of accomplishment from the NCSC. Two of the essay writers who were chosen were Island Trees Middle School student Justin Heisig of Levittown and East Meadow resident Malorie Mendoza from Meadowbrook School.

Each contestant who entered the contest received a congratulatory certificate for being a sports champ in their own community. Contest organizers thank all the creative young sports champs who participated. For more information on the contest or the NCSC, visit www.nassausports.org or call 365-9625.