Monday, May 2, 2011

UIS' Dayaratne wins sportsmanship award

University of Illinois Springfield senior tennis player Punsisi Dayaratne has been named the recipient of the Great Lakes Valley Conference Male Sportsmanship Award, the conference announced Thursday.

The GLVC Sportsmanship Awards are presented to student-athletes who have distinguished themselves through demonstrated acts of sportsmanship and ethical behavior. The GLVC Executive Committee reviews the slate of nominations and determines the recipients of the awards.

According to a press release from the GLVC: “Dayaratne has exemplified the etiquette expected in the game. He has shown respect for his opponents and has played fairly and honestly in a sport where decisions on line calls are determined by the players. Dayaratne has displayed respect, civility and integrity even when disagreeing with an opponent’s call and has never had a point penalty while competing for the Prairie Stars.’’

Dayaratne was recognized in an May 2, 2011, article in The State Journal-Register.

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