For more than two decades, USA TODAY and the Institute for International Sport have co-sponsored an annual essay contest in support of this sportsmanship initiative. Students from elementary, middle and high schools, as well as colleges, are invited to write essays of 500 words or fewer on the theme of their choosing.

USA TODAY will publish online a selected essay from each student group as part of National Sportsmanship Day.

Send essays by Feb. 28 to:

USA TODAY Sportsmanship Essay Contest

Institute for International Sport

University of Rhode Island

P.O. Box 1710

Kingston, RI 02881-1710

Also:

•Fax entries: 401-874-2429

•E-mail entries nsd@internationalsport.org

•More information at www.internationalsport.com/nsd.