Tony Dungy, Publisher Launch Contest to Search for 'Uncommon Heroes'

By Eric Young, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Whether it's a pilot landing a disabled plane smoothly into the bay without losing a single passenger or a police officer single-handedly ending the rampage of heavily-armed gunman, there are heroes among us.

Not every hero, however, will get their name in the headlines or grow a fanbase, though they are out there making a difference at home, at work, at school, at church, or in their community. But one book publisher is hoping that their stories will be heard and that they will show others images of success that may not come with fame or fortune.

"We tend to measure success in terms of wins and losses, but there are so many people out there leading uncommon lives by serving and mentoring," says recently retired NFL coach Tony Dungy.

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"The significance of their contributions can't be measured on a scoreboard," he adds.

In February, Dungy, who served as head coach of the 2007 Super Bowl-winning Indianapolis Colts, released his new book Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance, in which he reveals the secrets he has learned to achieving significance and the kind of success that satisfies as well as lessons learned from his remarkable parents, his athletic and coaching career, his mentors, and his walk with God.

To recognize the "uncommon heroes" who are making a difference, the publisher of Dungy's book, Tyndale House Publishers, is sponsoring the "Win an Uncommon Time of Service with Tony Dungy" video essay contest, open to those 18 years or older.

Participants are invited to create and submit a short (five minutes or less) video entry featuring the story of an "uncommon hero" in their life, whether they're a parent, relative, teacher, neighbor, coach, pastor, or friend.

Winners will be selected by a review panel based on how compelling the story of the "uncommon hero is," the quality of storytelling in the video, and overall uncommon and creative ways this information is presented in the video submission.

The Grand Prize winner, along with their up to 5 guests, will meet Coach Dungy in Indianapolis for a Basket of Hope event at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis on Friday, May 29.

Up to 160 runner-ups, meanwhile, will receive prizes including NFL footballs signed by Tony Dungy, signed copies of Uncommon by Tony Dungy with Nathan Whitaker, copies of the New York Times' best seller Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy with Nathan Whitaker, and "Dare to Be Uncommon" wristbands.

"We hope these videos will let people see a different type of success," says Dungy.

Full details, terms, and conditions of the "Win an Uncommon Time of Service with Tony Dungy" video essay contest is available at www.daretobeuncommon.net.

The deadline for entries is Wednesday, Apr. 15.