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The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, is set to receive a prestigious honor at the upcoming ESPY Awards. However, the decision to bestow this honor upon the Duke has sparked controversy, with some questioning the choice.
The 39-year-old prince will be receiving the Pat Tillman Award for Service, an award that recognizes individuals with a strong connection to sports who have served others in a manner that reflects Tillman’s own legacy.
Pat Tillman, a former star safety for the Arizona Cardinals, tragically lost his life during military service as a U.S. Army Ranger in Afghanistan in 2004.
The ESPY Awards, an annual celebration of sports excellence, are set to return to Los Angeles, with stars like Patrick Mahomes, Caitlin Clark, and Prince Harry among the nominees. The 32nd edition of the awards promises an exciting showcase of athletic talent and achievements.
Mary Tillman, Pat’s mother, expressed her surprise at the selection of Prince Harry, stating that there are more deserving individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving veterans. She emphasized that these individuals often lack the resources and privileges that the Duke possesses.
Past recipients of the Pat Tillman Award include soccer star Marcus Rashford, who made significant contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic by raising funds to feed children in England. The Buffalo Bills training staff was also recognized for their life-saving efforts with Damar Hamlin, along with retired Army Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans.
Prince Harry’s military service, including two tours of duty in Afghanistan, and his cofounding of The Invictus Games Foundation, which supports wounded, injured, and sick service members, are the reasons behind his recognition.
The Invictus Games, celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, is an international sporting event that brings together active and veteran service members, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and competition.
Prince Harry will be honored alongside former NFL player Steve Gleason, who is receiving the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage for his battle against ALS, and University of South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, who will be presented with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.
Kate Jackson, ESPN’s vice president of production, praised the honorees, stating, “It’s our privilege to recognize three remarkable individuals – Steve Gleason, Dawn Staley, and Prince Harry. Their unwavering dedication to creating positive change and a more inclusive world for those facing challenges is truly inspiring, and we are thrilled to celebrate their achievements at The 2024 ESPYS.”
The 2024 ESPYS, hosted by the legendary Serena Williams, will air on ABC on Thursday, July 11, at 8 p.m. ET, promising an evening of recognition and celebration for these outstanding individuals.
