The Winter Achievers program was developed by the Goodwill Games in conjunction with the New York Lottery in the Fall of 1999. The program is a natural extension of the Goodwill Games mission, which recognizes that sports play a valuable role in personal character development and in the community. The program was designed to showcase New York sixth, seventh and eighth graders' personal experiences and achievements as participants in sports through a state-wide essay contest.

From team managers and stars to team captains and supporters, all were encouraged to explain how sports has played a positive role in their life. Ten citizen-athletes from the nearly 4,000 applications from across the Empire State were selected by an eight-member committee. Each citizen-athlete will receive a laptop computer and printer, a trip to the Empire State Winter Games in Lake Placid, including participation in the opening ceremonies and a commemorative Winter Achievers sweatsuit. Each school will receive a $1000 computer technology package.

Special thanks to TNT Sports, who supported the program by securing promotional time on cable affiliates across New York State, and to the New York Olympic Regional Development Authority, which held a Winter Sports Carnival at each winner's school.

Congratulations to the following winners of the 2001 Winter Achievers essay program: