Bradwell Institute was recently awarded a 2016-2017 Georgia High School Association Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award.

Coastal Electric Cooperative, along with the other EMCs in Georgia, has presented the Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award each year since 2006 to emphasize, encourage and reward positive behavior in athletics.

"Good sportsmanship is a key component of athletics," said Whit Hollowell, Coastal Electric Cooperative CEO. "Treating others with respect and dignity is what distinguishes a good team from a great team. Whether they win or lose, it’s important these students handle the outcome with class and don’t let competition get in the way of behaving as responsible, honest and humble young adults."

To be considered for recognition, students, athletes, coaches, spectators and anyone else associated with high school activities programs must display respect, fairness, honesty and responsibility before, during and after competition.

"Congratulations to all of the region winners of the GHSA Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award for 2016-2017," said Dr. Robin Hines, GHSA executive director. "It is an honor for these member schools to be selected by their regions for this award. The characteristics of good sportsmanship are critical to the development of our young people as they transition into productive adults. The GHSA applauds our schools on this accomplishment and appreciates Georgia’s EMCs for their support of this outstanding recognition program."

Schools such as Bradwell Institute have shown integrity across a variety of athletics, including many groups, ranging from students, coaches, parents, spectators and officials. The award also extends to anyone involved with the athletic event, making this an honor that is shared by both the school and the community.

Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Awards are presented annually by EMC representatives to GHSA-member high schools in 56 regions and seven classifications.

Coastal Electric Cooperative is a consumer-owned cooperative providing electricity and related services to consumers in Bryan, Liberty, Long and McIntosh counties.

Founded in 1904, the GHSA is a voluntary, nonprofit organization comprised of more than 460 public and private high schools that strives to promote good sportsmanship, participant safety, fair play and a cooperative spirit among its member schools. The GHSA administers regulations for region and state competition in 17 sports and two activities. For more information, visit www.ghsa.net.