Girls4Sport "Ordinary Heroes" contest

In a free society people can act together spontaneously—sans coercion and political strife—to better the world. The folks at Girls4Sport, apparently understanding this congenial yet often ignored truth, do their part to make the world a better place for girls and women (that is to say: for all of us).

For instance, their Pink Store, where 5% of purchases go to the U'ilani Fund; likewise, their Girls4Sport Foundation, which "supports organizations and programs that provide girls of all ages with the skills, support, and opportunity to lead active lives with confidence"; now, an essay contest that honors inspiring women:

Surf and swim apparel designer Girls4Sport will honor inspiring women with its "Ordinary Heroes" essay contest. Girls4Sport invites participants to nominate the women in their lives—mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends—who have accomplished extraordinary things or inspired others [to] dream bigger and better. The contest entry deadline is August 30, 2009.

"We all have people who've helped us laugh harder, run faster, live better, be stronger and just smile more," says Kim Ruby, president of Girls4Sport. "We want to pay tribute to the unsung heroes in women’s lives and give them the credit they deserve."

Girls4Sport will select three hero stories as grand prize winners. The grand prize winners and their heroes will each receive a $100 gift certificate for Girls4Sport’s online store, shop.girls4sport.com, plus an autographed copy of Dara Torres' new book, Age is Just a Number. Ten runners up will each receive a free t-shirt and grab bag from the online store.

Winners and their winning stories will appear on the Girls4Sport website in September 2009. The deadline for nomination is August 30, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. PST. All participants in the contest will receive a 35% off coupon code good towards any purchase at shop.girls4sport.com. Participants may nominate as many heroes as they want. To nominate a hero, visit: www.girls4sport.com/contest/.