The Pittsburgh Steelers have been known as the heavy-hitting team that the NFL has been slapping with fines for helmet hits. But the Steelers and wide receiver Hines Ward have recently been nominated for positive contributions to world peace.
Ward and the Steelers have been nominated in the categories of professional sports team and professional athlete for the inaugural United Nations NGO Positive Peace Awards.
The Steelers' nomination has come from both the Salvation Army and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Steelers president Art Rooney II is thrilled to see his team being recognized for their contributions.
"We are honored to be nominated for such a prestigious award which recognizes the importance of helping those less fortunate than ourselves," Rooney said in a statement released by the club. "We have always believed that it takes teamwork to make a true impact in the community and are proud that our efforts are viewed as worthy of being considered for such high distinction."
Ward's nomination came from the Pearl S. Buck International Inc., which cited his hard work in Korea bringing international Koreans to change the perception of the country's biracial population.
"Hines Ward changed the cultural landscape of Korea," said Janet Mintzer, president and CEO of Pearl S. Buck International. "After Japanese invasions, Korea placed high value on being pure-blooded Koreans, creating prejudice of biracial people. As a successful biracial Korean-American, he returned to Korea, creating media attention which sparked a cultural shift."
The winners of the 2010 United Nations NGO Positive Peace Award will announced in mid-December.
