Prince Harry has been named the recipient of the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYS for his remarkable work with the Invictus Games. This award is presented to an individual who has displayed extraordinary dedication to serving others, particularly through the power of sports. The ESPYS, which honor both individual and team athletic achievements, have previously recognized notable figures such as Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Novak Djokovic, Max Verstappen, and Caitlin Clark. The upcoming ceremony marks the 10th anniversary of the Games, a milestone that highlights the significant impact of Prince Harry’s contributions.
According to a statement released by the ESPYS, Prince Harry is being honored for his relentless efforts in supporting the veteran community through the Invictus Games. As a former member of the British Armed Forces with first-hand experience in serving in Afghanistan, Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games Foundation to provide a platform for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women. Over the years, the Games have grown into an international event that promotes resilience, community, and healing through the medium of sports, bringing together participants from various nations.
Notable past recipients of the Pat Tillman Award for Service include England soccer star Marcus Rashford, retired Army Sergeant and author Gretchen Evans, and the Buffalo Bills Training Staff. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have demonstrated a commitment to serving others. The selection of Prince Harry for the award underscores the transformative impact of his work with the Invictus Games and his dedication to supporting veterans worldwide.
In addition to Prince Harry, the 2024 ESPYS will also honor Steve Gleason with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage and Dawn Staley with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. Steve Gleason, a former NFL player diagnosed with ALS, and Dawn Staley, an esteemed basketball coach, have both shown incredible resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Their stories serve as powerful reminders of the human spirit’s capacity to overcome challenges and inspire others.
The ESPYS, presented annually by ABC, play a crucial role in recognizing outstanding athletic achievements and raising awareness for important causes. Since its inception in 1993, the event has not only celebrated sports excellence but has also raised funds for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, established by ESPN and the late basketball coach Jim Valvano. Over the years, ESPN has helped raise more than $200 million for cancer research through the ESPYS, demonstrating the event’s significant impact beyond the realm of sports.
The 2024 ESPYS will take place in Los Angeles on Thursday, July 11, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, airing on ABC from The Dolby Theatre. The awards show, hosted by Serena Williams, will offer a platform to celebrate the achievements of exceptional athletes and individuals who have made a difference in their communities. As Prince Harry and other honorees take the stage to receive their awards, the ceremony will shine a spotlight on the power of sports to effect positive change and inspire others to make a difference in the world.