New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/08/2016 -- A youth essay contest celebrating sportsmanship in New York City today announced support from Modell's, the sporting goods chain that got its start in New York City over 127 years ago. Modell's is America's oldest family-owned retailer of sporting goods, with over 150 locations throughout the Northeast.

"Modell's Sporting Goods is happy to be working with New York Sports Connection and proud to be a supporter of a contest that promotes sportsmanship among NYC Youth," says Modell's Assistant Marketing Manager, Julia Pantalone.

New York Sports Connection (NYSC) is a local web-based clearinghouse for youth sports resources in New York City. "New York Sports Connection is excited to have Modell's with us as a partner for this year's essay contest," says Aaron Finkel, NYSC's founder and the parent of two teenaged athletes. "Modell's is generously providing gift certificates for the winners and runners-up of our contest," says Finkel, noting that the company's support of many youth sports activities across NYC make it a natural fit as a sponsor.

Now in its second year, the New York Sports Connection student essay contest is open to City residents who are between 12 and 18 years of age by the entry deadline of April 30, 2016. This year, young writers are invited to share their thoughts on the theme, "What Role Does Sportsmanship Play in Youth Sports?" Complete rules are available at https://www.newyorksportsconnection.com/nysc-essay-contest.

"We were so pleased with the entries we received during our 2015 contest," says Finkel, a resident of Manhattan. "We got entries from all five boroughs, and we had winners and finalists from over a dozen different schools. It was evident from the kids' essays that sportsmanship does enhance the youth sports experience, and gives young athletes an ethical framework they can use for the rest of their lives."

About Modell's Sporting Goods
Founded in 1889, Modell's Sporting Goods is the local family sporting goods destination that provides a convenient and compelling shopping experience for the athlete and fan in all of us. Modell's offers customers an assortment of top brands in sporting goods equipment, footwear, team apparel and active apparel for every level of play yea-round. The retailer operates 150+ stores located in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. In addition, www.modells.com is a diverse website which services customers all over the country, filling all of their needs regardless of their residence.

About NewYorkSportsConnection.com
Founded by a Manhattan father of two, NewYorkSportsConnection.com is the premier interactive resource for families and youth sports organizations in New York City. Users can search for information on sports leagues, teams, classes and activities, ask questions of others in the community and read pertinent content on the local sports community. The site's Weekly Sports Alert email keeps members up-to-date on upcoming deadlines for tryouts, sign-up/registration periods, clinics, camps and other sports-related events.