Get Ready for the Sports Humanitarian Awards, Where Sports Meets Soul!
Hold onto your hats, sports fans, because the biggest night in sports philanthropy is about to hit Hollywood! Get ready for the tenth anniversary of the Sports Humanitarian Awards, sponsored by PENN Entertainment, going down on Wednesday, July , right before the ESPYS at the legendary Citizen News.
This ain’t just some stuffy awards show. This is about celebrating the athletes, teams, and bigwigs in the sports world who are out there using their platform to make a real difference. We’re talking about those who are tackling social issues, championing causes, and inspiring us all to be better humans.
And the best part? All the hype and heartwarming moments will be featured during ESPYS Week programming and the main event – The ESPYS – on July at 8 PM ET on ABC. So, mark your calendars, set your DVRs, and get ready for a heavy dose of inspiration!
What’s It All About?
The Sports Humanitarian Awards are all about shining a light on the incredible work being done by the sports community to make the world a better place. These awards recognize those who are stepping up to the plate and knocking it out of the park when it comes to social impact.
And let’s not forget the real MVP of the night – the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund at the V Foundation for Cancer Research. All the proceeds from this epic event will go towards supporting this incredible cause.
Kevin Martinez, the VP of ESPN Corporate Citizenship, sums it up best: “Sports has the ability to bring people together and drive positive change… ESPN is proud that the Sports Humanitarian Awards will once again recognize athletes and sports figures who are using the power of sports to make a difference…”
With sponsors like MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, UFC, USTA, WNBA, WWE, and a whole bunch more, you know this is gonna be a night to remember.
The Awards: Where Legends Are Made (and Celebrated)
Get ready for a night of goosebumps and standing ovations as we honor the best of the best in the world of sports philanthropy. From groundbreaking individuals to game-changing teams, these are the awards that recognize the true champions of change.
The Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award: Honoring Innovation and Impact
This award is named after the one and only Stuart Scott, a legend who used his voice to inspire millions. The Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award honors those who are using their creativity and innovation to help those in need through the power of sports.
And this year’s honoree? Give it up for Brice Christianson, the founder of P-X-P and the first-ever professional sports ASL interpreter! This dude is a true trailblazer, breaking down barriers and making sports accessible to the Deaf community.
Christianson’s organization, P-X-P, is all about providing top-notch ASL interpreters at sporting events so that everyone can experience the thrill of the game.
The Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award: Champions of Change
This award is about more than just athletic achievements; it’s about embodying the spirit of the Greatest, Muhammad Ali, and using your platform to fight for what’s right. The finalists for this year’s award are a testament to the power of sports to create positive change in the world.
Let’s meet the contenders, shall we?
Maui Surfing Community: Riding the Waves of Hope
Talk about courage under fire! The Maui Surfing Community showed the world what true aloha is all about when they stepped up big time after the devastating wildfires. These wave warriors didn’t hesitate to provide aid, support, and a shoulder to cry on for their community. Key figures like Kai Lenny and Archie Kalepa truly embody the spirit of selflessness and resilience.
CJ McCollum: Shooting for Justice and Opportunity
This NBA all-star isn’t just dominating on the court, he’s making a real difference in his hometown of New Orleans. CJ McCollum is all about empowering youth and creating a brighter future for his community. From criminal justice reform to education and economic opportunity, McCollum is using his platform to tackle some of the toughest challenges facing young people today.
Anthony Rizzo: Swinging for a Cure
When he’s not hitting home runs for the New York Yankees, Anthony Rizzo is knocking it out of the park for families battling pediatric cancer. His foundation, the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation (ARFF), has raised a whopping million dollars to support these families in their fight. From direct grants and hospital visits to the incredible Hope program and Rizzo Series events, Rizzo is a true champion for kids with cancer and their families.
Sloane Stephens: Serving Up Inspiration and Opportunity
This tennis superstar is all about using her platform to create a more inclusive and equitable world, both on and off the court. Through her foundation, the Sloane Stephens Foundation (SSF), she’s breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for kids from underserved communities to experience the transformative power of tennis. From free tennis programs to educational support and mental health resources, Stephens is serving up a winning game plan for social change.
The Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
This award is all about recognizing the teams that are going above and beyond to make a difference in their communities and the world. These teams are proof that when people come together for a common goal, anything is possible.
Angel City Football Club (ACFC): Kicking Goals for Gender Equality and Community Impact
This LA-based women’s soccer team isn’t just about winning championships; they’re about changing the game for women and girls everywhere. Angel City FC is committed to pay equity, empowering women in sports, and making a real impact in the Los Angeles community. They’re putting their money where their mouth is too, allocating a full 10% of their sponsorships to local initiatives and mobilizing their fans to get involved in community service.
Indianapolis Colts: Tackling Mental Health Stigma
The Indianapolis Colts are taking a bold stand against mental health stigma with their “Kicking the Stigma” initiative. This team is committed to raising awareness, providing support, and expanding access to mental health services. They’ve already committed over million dollars to this critical cause, funding anti-stigma training, research, and direct services for those in need.
Miami HEAT: Turning Up the Heat on Youth Mental Health
The Miami HEAT are bringing the heat when it comes to addressing the youth mental health crisis. Their Mindfulness Champions initiative is all about equipping young people with the tools and resources they need to manage stress, build resilience, and thrive. From providing mindfulness training in schools to creating serene “HEAT Mindfulness Sanctuaries,” this team is creating safe spaces for young people to prioritize their mental well-being.
Philadelphia Eagles: Soaring High for Autism Awareness
The Philadelphia Eagles are flying high in their commitment to supporting the autism community. Their Eagles Autism Foundation is dedicated to funding cutting-edge research, enhancing access to care, and promoting awareness and acceptance. Through their annual Eagles Autism Challenge, they’ve raised a staggering million dollars to support these efforts, funding groundbreaking research projects and providing essential grants to community organizations.
Shining a Light on Philanthropy
The Sports Humanitarian Awards aren’t just about athletes; they’re about recognizing the individuals and organizations that are using their power and influence to make the world a better place. From team owners to corporations, these are the unsung heroes of sports philanthropy.
Sports Philanthropist of the Year: Boston Red Sox Ownership: Hitting a Home Run for Community Investment
This year’s award goes to the trio who brought the Curse of the Bambino to an end: John Henry, Tom Werner, and Larry Lucchino, the owners of the Boston Red Sox. These guys aren’t just about building a winning team; they’re about building a stronger community. Through the Red Sox Foundation, they’ve invested over $ million in New England and Lee County, Florida, supporting a wide range of initiatives that are near and dear to their hearts.
John Henry is passionate about education, which is why he spearheaded the creation of the Fenway Park Learning Lab, an innovative space where Boston Public Schools students can learn and grow.
Tom Werner is a champion for veterans and their families. His commitment to supporting those who have served our country is evident in his work with Home Base, a program that provides world-class care and support to veterans and their families.
Larry Lucchino is all about fighting cancer. He’s been instrumental in strengthening the partnership between the Red Sox and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and The Jimmy Fund, two organizations that are leading the charge in the fight against cancer.
Corporate Community Impact Award: Businesses Stepping Up to the Plate
This award recognizes the corporations that are using the power of sports to make a real difference in the world. These companies are proving that businesses can be a force for good, using their resources and influence to create positive social change.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Giving Wings to Dreams
Buffalo Wild Wings is proving that even chicken wings can change the world. Their ALL STARS program has been a game-changer for over . million kids across the country, providing them with the opportunity to participate in team sports through the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. They’ve invested a whopping million in this program, providing essential sports equipment and encouraging their local restaurants to get involved in their communities.
JPMorganChase: Serving Up Opportunity
JPMorganChase is teaming up with the USTA Foundation to help under-resourced youth reach their full potential through the power of tennis. Their Return the Serve (RTS) program is making a real difference in the lives of young people across the country, providing them with access to high-quality tennis instruction, educational support, and life skills development. JPMorganChase has funded RTS chapters in states, impacting , youth and counting. They’ve also hosted a series of “Return the Serve Fun Days,” bringing the joy of tennis to communities nationwide.
Empowering the Next Generation of Changemakers
The Sports Humanitarian Awards aren’t just about celebrating the achievements of today’s leaders; they’re about inspiring the next generation of changemakers. These awards recognize the young people who are using their passion for sports to make a difference in the world.
The Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award: Young Leaders Changing the Game
This award honors young people who are channeling their love of sports into meaningful social action. These young leaders are proving that age is just a number when it comes to making a difference.
This year, the award recognizes three outstanding individuals who are using their voices and platforms to create positive change in their communities and beyond.
Conor Campbell: Making Sports Accessible for All
Conor Campbell believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the joy and transformative power of sports. That’s why he’s dedicated himself to making sports more accessible to young people in his hometown of Trenton, New Jersey. Recognizing the financial barriers that often prevent kids from participating in organized sports, Campbell developed an innovative and affordable basketball and enrichment program that’s making a real difference in the lives of young people in his community.
Ayanna Shah: Giving Sports Equipment a Second Life
Ayanna Shah is tackling the issue of sports equipment accessibility head-on. She co-founded Second Serve, an organization that collects gently used sports equipment and donates it to under-resourced youth. But Shah doesn’t stop there. She also organizes free sports clinics, giving kids the opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence, and experience the joy of sports.
Hannah Smith: Championing Adaptive Sports
Hannah Smith is a passionate advocate for adaptive sports, believing that everyone, regardless of ability, should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of competition and the camaraderie of teamwork. She’s launched wheelchair basketball programs, creating opportunities for young people with disabilities to get involved in the sport. Smith is also the driving force behind the See It, Be It storytelling project, which aims to increase visibility and understanding of adaptive sports.
Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award – Regional Recipients: Celebrating Grassroots Changemakers
In addition to the three national honorees, the Sports Humanitarian Awards also recognize exceptional young leaders from across the country. These regional recipients are making a difference in their communities through a variety of sports-based initiatives, from promoting healthy lifestyles to combating bullying and discrimination.
ESPN Corporate Citizenship: Using the Power of Sports for Good
The Sports Humanitarian Awards are a testament to ESPN’s commitment to using the power of sports to make a positive impact on the world. Through ESPN Corporate Citizenship, the network is investing in communities, championing important causes, and inspiring fans to get involved in making a difference.
From supporting grassroots organizations to partnering with leading nonprofits, ESPN is leveraging its platform to address some of the most pressing social issues facing our world today. The Sports Humanitarian Awards are just one example of the many ways that ESPN is using its reach and influence to create a better future for all.