About the 2013 Awards

The Rare Disease Champion Award is given to a leader in college football, individual, or organization, who has realized his or her potential to make a positive and lasting impact on the rare disease community. Uplifting Athletes believes the accomplishments of all of the finalists are admirable. The stories of adversity and triumph were not only inspiring to us as an organization, but also to the communities which these leaders reside.

Last year, the Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion was decided by more than 76,000 voters nationwide. This year’s Rare Disease Champion trophy will be presented at the Maxwell Football Club's nationally televised Awards Gala on March 1, 2013, in Atlantic City.

Vote now for the 2013 Rare Disease Champion Award!

To Qualify

1. Nominee must be a current member of a college football program (student-athlete, coach, trainer, staff member, etc.) from an NCAA Institution (FBS, FCS, DII, or DIII) or a college football organization.
2. Nominee has a connection to a rare disease: a) is currently surviving one; b) is raising money for a rare disease, or c) is inspired to advocate for others battling a rare disease. A rare disease is defined as one that affects fewer than 200,000 Americans
3. Nominee demonstrates great respect for competitors, school, teammates, coaches, and the game of college football.
4. Nominee cannot be a previous winner of the award

Selection Process

Uplifting Athletes will collect the stories of the nominees and conduct interviews with the nominees. Stories of selected finalists will be published online at www.upliftingathletes.org during the month of January. The winner will be determined by a public vote online during the month of January and announced in conjunction with the start of Rare Disease Awareness Month on February 1, 2013.

Winner Presentation

Uplifting Athletes will present the sculpture to the 2013 Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion at the Maxwell Club National Awards Gala in Atlantic City on March 1, 2013.