Chicago Children's Theatre announces Jackie & Me Essay Contest

How does Jackie Robinson's story inspire you?
Children 15 years and younger who can best answer that question in 500 words or less will be eligible to win one of five amazing baseball experience prize packages, courtesy of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Bash Sports Academy and Chicago Children's Theatre.
Chicago Children's Theatre is sponsoring the Jackie and Me Essay Contest throughout February/Black History Month, to celebrate its new play Jackie and Me, a time-travelling adventure about baseball legend Jackie Robinson, based on the popular children's novel by Dan Gutman, playing February 8 through March 27 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn Street in Chicago. For tickets visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (866) 811-4111.
Not only is Jackie Robinson remembered as one of the greatest baseball players in history, he was the first African-American to play for the Major Leagues - but it sure wasn't easy. That's why Chicago Children's Theatre is encouraging kids today to explain in their own words: how does the story of Jackie Robinson inspire you?
Dan Gutman, author of the book "Jackie and Me", will review the top 25 entries and select five winners. The deadline to enter is February 28, 2011. Winners will be personally notified and announced on Chicago Children's Theatre's website the week of March 7, 2011.
Stepping up to the plate with fantastic prizes for the Jackie and Me Essay Contest are the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox and Bash Sports Academy. Four winners each will be awarded four box seat tickets to the White Sox vs. Angels game on Fri., Apr. 15 (game time 7:05 p.m.) when the White Sox honor the legacy of Jackie Robinson with special pre-game activities (prize includes a pre-game photo op and recognition on the scoreboard). Of course, Jackie Robinson transcends any franchise rivalry, so the Chicago Cubs are proving themselves clutch players as well by adding four tickets each to the Cubs versus Padres game at Wrigley Field on April 19 at 7:05 pm, including a pre-game photo opp. All winners will receive four tickets to Chicago Children's Theatre's production of Jackie and Me and one copy of the book autographed by author Dan Gutman.
In addition, one Grand Prize winner will receive all of this plus one Bash Pro Annual Membership at Bash Sports Academy, a 15,000-square-foot indoor facility for year round youth baseball training, located at 2617 W. Fletcher on Chicago's northwest side. The annual membership includes complimentary use of the Bash batting and pitching cages up to three times a week, discounts on lessons, clinics and special events, one free personal training session from Tri-Fitness and 20 percent off all Play-it-Again in-stock sports equipment.
Entrants to the Jackie and Me Essay Contest must be 15 years or younger as of March 1, 2011. Contest forms with complete rules and prize package details are already being shipped to schools, libraries, book stores, children's and sporting goods retailers throughout Chicagoland. Or, download the entry form and submit entries via Chicago Children's Theatre's website, chicagochildrenstheatre.org/essay-contest, send completed essays via email to essaycontest@chicagochildrenstheatre.org, or via snail mail to:
Chicago Children's Theatre
Administrative Offices
1464 N. Milwaukee Avenue, 2nd Floor
Chicago, Il 60622
For complete rules, a list of links with further information about Jackie Robinson or to download the Jackie and Me study guide for educators and parents, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org/essay-contest.