December 14, 2010

Tanner nominated for United Nations Peace Award

South Carolina head coach Ray Tanner (right) has been nominated for the inaugural 2010 United Nations NGO Positive Peace Award in the Coach category.

The award honors and recognizes individuals, businesses, athletes, sports teams, entertainers and schools around the world for their positive contributions. The nominees are judged by the United Nations NGO Voting Academy, comprised of groups such as Rotary International, Pathways to Peace, and Sister Cities International. The Voting Academy will consider a coach’s community involvement and impact on his or her community to determine this year’s winner, which will be announced later this month.

Tanner was nominated by Oliver Gospel Mission. He helped pack 500 Thanksgiving boxes for needy families throughout the Midlands and made a financial contribution through the Ray Tanner Foundation.

A native of Smithfield, N.C., Tanner has compiled a record of 634-282 in 14 seasons with the Gamecocks. South Carolina went 54-16 a season ago and captured its first national championship in baseball.

(photo by Sean Ryan)