You Can Play Project has been named a winner of the first Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award as part of ESPN’s inaugural Sports Humanitarian of the Year Awards. The ENSPIRE Award honors the late ESPN commentator Stuart Scott’s indomitable spirit, celebrating those who use the power of sport by taking risk and using an innovative approach to aid the disadvantaged, save lives, alleviate suffering and maintain and protect human dignity, according to ESPN.
“Through their selflessness and compassion, the Sports Humanitarian of the Year Award honorees are improving lives of many around the world,” ESPN president John Skipper said. “The awards pay tribute to some incredible individuals and organizations and the extraordinary impact of their efforts on society.”
“Stuart Scott’s legacy is one of courage and honesty,” said You Can Play president Patrick Burke. “It’s an honor to be mentioned alongside Stuart and an even greater honor to carry on his legacy of respect for sports.”
Laila Ali will host the Sports Humanitarian of the Year Awards in Los Angeles on July 14. You Can Play will be honored along with Major League Baseball Emeritus Bud Selig and his wife Suzanne (Sue), Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, and the “Like a Girl” Campaign.
Humanitarian of the Year Awards will be announced from finalists in the individual category (Anquan Boldin – San Francisco 49ers, Tamika Catchings – Indiana Fever, John Cena – WWE, Henrik Lundqvist – New York Rangers) and team of the year category (Chicago Bulls, Portland Timbers, San Francisco 49ers, WWE Community Relations).
