Pacers accepting nominations for Larry Bird Character Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2010

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Pacers, in partnership with The Indianapolis Star, the National Federation of State High School Associations, the Indiana High School Athletic Association and Kroger, are accepting nominations for the Larry Bird Character Award.

This award is in its third year and is one of the community outreach programs of the Pacers. Winners are determined by criteria that are representative of the qualities of NBA legend and current Pacers President of Basketball Larry Bird. The criteria include academic excellence, character, sportsmanship and community service. Nominees must be a senior in high school and a member of their boys or girls high school varsity basketball teams meeting the stated criteria.

Nominations must be submitted on the official nomination form and approved by a school administrator to be considered. Nomination forms may be obtained by visiting Indystar.com, Pacers.com, nfhs.org or ihsaa.org. Nominations should be sent to the Larry Bird Character Award, 125 S. Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46204. Nominations will be accepted through March 2.

Five male and five female finalists will be selected and receive four tickets each to the Pacers’ home game against New York, April 10, and will be honored in an on-court presentation. Each of the finalists will receive a $100 Kroger gift card, a commemorative photo and a finalist plaque. The top male and female will be awarded a trophy and a $2,500 scholarship from Kroger to an accredited college of their choice.

A complete set of rules can be obtained at Pacers.com.