Throughout the Pittsburgh Pirates 124-year history, there have been many champions - on and off the field. Players like Willie Stargell and Roberto Clemente thrilled Pirates fans with their baseball achievements. They also supported their community in many ways by showing character and integrity in all aspects of their lives.

As part of our 2011 Heritage Weekend Celebration, the Pirates are accepting nominations for the "Pittsburgh Pirates Community Champion Award," to be presented to six (6) area individuals who are "champions" of their community and have positively contributed to the betterment of the diverse community in our region.

The six winners from 2010 were:

• James Bendel/Adelphoi Village
• Bridgette Driver/FedEx Ground
• Baron Flenory/Presley Ridge
• Tony Joseph/Pittsburgh International Children's Theater
• Joseph Lagana/Homeless Children's Education Fund
• Charles Sanders/Urban Lending Solutions

We will recognize the 2011 winner during our annual Heritage Weekend Celebration (July 22nd) in a special pregame, on-field ceremony. It is our goal to publicly celebrate their accomplishments and community contributions, while encouraging all Pirates' fans in attendance to become a champion in their community as well.

An independent panel of judges comprised of community leaders, civic leaders, Pirates employees, and members of the academic community will select the recipients of the 2011 Community Champion Awards from the nominations received by the deadline of Ju1y 1, 2011.

This is a way for all of us to honor our fellow citizens whose hard work, unrestricted time and boundless talents make our community - especially for our youth - a better place to live. Nominations are open to the public and self-nominations are encouraged. If you would like to nominate someone, please download out the form below and submit it by July 1, 2011.