GLENVIEW, Ill., Nov. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Notre Dame University has another first place under its belt now that the winner of the 2012 Awards and Recognition Association Sportsmanship Award  has been revealed – the association is proud to announce Notre Dame linebacker, Manti Te'o is this year's award recipient.

"Te'o blew us away and that is saying a lot," said LaVell Edwards, the award-winning retired Brigham Young University head football coach and chairman of the Awards and Recognition Association Sportsmanship Award http://arasportsmanshipaward.com selection committee.  "This is our eighth year for the award and we continue to see outstanding candidates that are redefining sportsmanship and taking it to the next level.  Te'o's performance on the field is unparalled, but it was his work as a conscientious student and citizen who gives back that made him this year's winner."

Given annually to one outstanding NCAA Division I collegiate football player who best personifies the spirit of sportsmanship, the Awards and Recognition Association Sportsmanship Award is the only national award that recognizes an athlete's character as it relates to sportsmanship," Edwards said. 

Te'o has worked hard to earn numerous prestigious academic and athletic accolades while simultaneously demonstrating quiet humility on and off of the field.  From his humble beginnings in Hawaii to volunteering at homeless shelters during his college summer vacations, to helping serve as a positive role model for local underprivileged youth, he takes time to help those less fortunate.

2012 Awards and Recognition Association Sportsmanship Award—ADD ONE

"The award's sponsor, The Awards and Recognition Association, http://arasportsmanshipaward.com is honored to present this accolade to such a deserving young athlete," said Association president Lori Warren, CRM. "Each year we are impressed by the caliber of nominees and this year is no exception; Te'o is a true example of what we believe sportsmanship should exemplify."

ARA has a membership of 2,600 businesses internationally working within the recognition industry. The association's objective in sponsoring the award is to recognize an outstanding example of sportsmanship with a desire to promote the practice of sportsmanship in all levels of competition.

Previous Awards and Recognition Association Award recipients are Alabama offensive lineman, Barrett Jones (2011); Arizona Cardinals and former University of Texas defensive end, Sam Acho (2010); Miami Dolphins and former Kansas State University tight end, Jeron Mastrud (2009), Chicago Bears and former Northwestern University receiver Eric Peterman (2008); Winnipeg Blue Bombers and former Washington State quarterback Alex Brink (2007); Cincinnati Bengals and former Rutgers University fullback, Brian Leonard (2006) and, Carolina Panthers and former University of Memphis running back, DeAngelo Williams (2005).

To qualify for the award, an athlete must be a starting player or significant contributor on his team; be in good academic standing; demonstrate great respect for competitors, school, teammates and coaches; show an ability to accept victory and defeat graciously; convey a high degree of humility and integrity; and demonstrate commitment in the classroom and to the community. 

For more details, visit www.arasportsmanshipaward.com.

SOURCE ARA Sportsmanship Award