We have a long-standing tradition of celebrating and showcasing high school sports from across Iowa. We understand the positive impact that sports have on young athletes and our local communities. We’re regularly out at games, writing stories and shooting photos that highlight the players and the action.

We’re proud to be expanding this coverage to include 13 sports, honoring athletes in 21 different sports annually. On June 18, we’ll recognize more than 700 athletes during our inaugural All-Iowa Sports Awards banquet, featuring five-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning as our keynote speaker. And we’ll recognize athletes and coaches of Special Olympics Iowa.

MORE: About the All-Iowa selection and banquet | FOOTBALL: Meet the Register’s All-Iowa football teams

This program is personally rewarding for me as an Iowan who has participated in and watched high school sports, and it aligns with the Register’s core purpose of empowering communities to connect, act and thrive.

That same commitment can be found in our presenting sponsors, Blank Children’s Hospital (part of UnityPoint Health), Wells Fargo and Hy-Vee.

“We are very proud to partner with The Des Moines Register and other community leaders to support the All-Iowa Sports Awards,” said Eric Crowell, president and CEO of UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. “This is a great program to recognize young athletes who exemplify achievement, teamwork, leadership and perseverance.”

Said Don Pearson, Wells Fargo Bank regional president: “Wells Fargo is a community-based business, our company and our 15,000 Iowa team members are heavily invested in and committed to our Iowa communities. Nothing builds community pride and engagement more than high school sports and terrific nonprofits such as the Special Olympics. We are proud to support the recognition of outstanding athletes through our sponsorship of the All-Iowa Sports Awards.”

Randy Edeker, chairman, CEO and president of Hy-Vee, Inc., points out that high school athletics are where many young people get their first opportunity to serve as leaders and learn teamwork and discipline.

“Promoting these life skills and the importance of staying fit and healthy aligns with Hy-Vee’s core focuses,” Edeker said. “And we’re proud to join other business partners in recognizing our Iowa high school athletes and coaches on their achievements. We know this is just the beginning for many of these athletes, and we look forward to seeing the strong community members they become.”

Gary Harms, president and CEO of Special Olympics Iowa, said his organization is excited to partner with Register Media.

“Elite athletes serve as role models for many, and demonstrate how to achieve success through hard work and discipline,” Harms said. “Special Olympics athletes are no different – they train hard, eat right and work to maintain the highest level of fitness possible. When our athletes are not competing, they play key roles as citizens in their local communities. Many drive, are employed and live independently. Some serve as ambassadors and public speakers throughout the state. In reality, Special Olympics athletes are much more like individuals without disabilities than they are different.”

The honored athletes will receive free tickets to the event, and a limited number of tickets are available to the public for $45 at DesMoinesRegister.com/SportsAwards.

I hope to see you there for what promises to be a night of fun and recognition for some of our state’s rising stars.

David Chivers is the president and publisher of Register Media.