Spirit of Sport Award
The Spirit of Sport Award
Because the True Spirit of Sport Is About More Than Winning. It's About Standing Together.
The John and Judy Elder Foundation proudly introduces the Spirit of Sport Award, recognizing extraordinary acts of kindness, compassion, and teamwork that make a lasting difference in the lives of young student-athletes facing difficult circumstances.
The award honors teams, coaches, athletes, and communities that go above and beyond to support a young person during a time of need. Whether through encouragement, fundraising, personal acts of kindness, or simply showing up when it matters most, these individuals demonstrate that the true spirit of sport extends far beyond the playing field.
At the heart of the award is a powerful lesson: When one teammate faces adversity, the entire team comes together. By surrounding young athletes with care and encouragement, we teach them that they are never alone, that strength comes from unity, and that being part of a team means standing together through life's greatest challenges.
The Spirit of Sport Award celebrates those who bring these values to life, reminding us that some of the greatest victories aren't measured on the scoreboard, but in the compassion we show, the lives we touch, and the teammates we lift up along the way.
Honoring the 2026 Spirit of Sport Award Recipients
Rochelle Township High School Football Coaches' Wives
The John and Judy Elder Foundation is proud to recognize the Rochelle Township High School (RTHS) Football Coaches' Wives—Jennifer Kissack, Kelly Olson, and Kristi Gonzales—as the inaugural 2026 Spirit of Sport Award recipients.
Following a traumatic brain injury suffered by RTHS football player Dylan Manning during the 2025 football season, these remarkable women stepped forward to rally support, demonstrate compassion, and help bring their football family and community together during an incredibly difficult time.
Their efforts embody the very purpose of the Spirit of Sport Award: showing a young athlete that the bonds of a team reach far beyond the game. Through their commitment to Dylan and the unity they helped inspire, Jennifer, Kelly, and Kristi embody the true Spirit of Sport, reminding us that the greatest victories aren't always measured on the scoreboard, but in how we come together to lift up one of our own.
Giving Back in the Spirit of Sport
In honor of the inaugural Spirit of Sport Award recipients, the John and Judy Elder Foundation made a $1,000 donation to the Rochelle Community Hospital Foundation's Mammography Department. This contribution reflects the same spirit of compassion and community demonstrated by the award recipients, reinforcing the Foundation's belief that the true impact of sports reaches far beyond the playing field and into the lives of those around us.