Sports Illustrated Kids: Sports Kid Of The Year

THERE WERE 5,500 entries; 10 finalists, as chosen by editors at SI KIDS; and one winner, as chosen by voters at SIKIDS.com: Eight-year-old Derek Anderson of Williamsville, N.Y., is SportsKid of the Year. "It's so exciting," says Derek, who will appear on the SI KIDS December cover. "My mom and dad are very proud of me, and I like making them proud."

Derek, named for Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, had already done that. Despite a muscular disorder that has weakened his back, causing fatigue and forcing him into physical therapy four days a week, Derek, a third-grader at Harris Hill Elementary, plays five sports, standing out on a select hockey team and as an All-Star third baseman. His community involvement was also a strong consideration in his being named a finalist. In an essay contest for a local bank, Derek wrote that if he had a million dollars he'd help a children's hospital as well as elephants at the Buffalo Zoo. He spent the $64 first prize on a magic show for kids he'd met at therapy. "I like to help other kids," he says. "I am lucky."