The Duke of Sussex Prince Harry accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPY Awards for establishing the Invictus Games in 2014.
ESPN held the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11, an annual event that celebrates excellence in sports performance and achievements. Among their esteemed awardees is the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, as he received the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the prestigious awards ceremony. The accolade highlights the Prince’s dedication to creating the Invictus Games, which is a platform that uses the power of sports to inspire recovery and support the wounded’s rehabilitation. This honor celebrates Harry’s commitment to empowering veterans and making a positive impact on their lives.
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The Invictus Games
Prince Harry inaugurated the Invictus Games in 2014. It is an international sporting event for injured and sick service personnel. He directed his charity, The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, to deliver the games in partnership with the Ministry of Defence.
He drew his inspiration through the United States’ Warrior Games in 2013. The Prince witnessed that the power of sport could inspire wounded servicemen and women in their recovery physically, psychologically, and socially.
Prince Harry said he witnessed first-hand the positive impact of sports in these people’s lives. He said the games will focus on what they can achieve post injury and celebrate their fighting spirit.
“I am extremely proud that we are bringing an event like this to the UK for the first time,” he said. “[I] believe it can have a long lasting impact on the well-being of those who have served their nations so bravely.”
What is the Pat Tillman Award for Service?
The Pat Tillman Award for Service honors the legacy of Patrick Tillman, a former National Football League player and U.S. Army Ranger. Tillman used to play for the Arizona Cardinals, according to the Pat Tillman Foundation’s website.
He had a promising career in the NFL but had to put it on hold when he enlisted in the army with his brother, Kevin. “At times like this you stop and think about just how good we have it, what kind of system we live in, and the freedoms we are allowed,” he said after the 9/11 attack in 2001. “A lot of my family has gone and fought in wars and I really haven’t done a damn thing.”
They each committed to a three-year term, but in 2004, they were ambushed in Afghanistan. Patrick exerted efforts to provide cover for fellow soldiers as they escaped, but he tragically died through fratricide.
Despite the tragedy, his life, principles, and service were his true legacies. His family and friends started a foundation that gives military members, veterans, and spouses support. This paved the way as well for the Pat Tillman Award for Service. It recognizes a person’s strong connection to sports and having served others in a way that echoes Tillman’s impact.
Witnessing impact and healing through sports
Prince Harry accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service at ESPY Awards held at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. He expressed his gratitude to everyone at the Pat Tillman Foundation as he went onstage to obtain the recognition.
“I also want to acknowledge the Tillman family, especially Mrs. Mary Tillman, Pat’s mother,” he continued. “Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect. The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.”
He proceeded to acknowledge that he did not receive the award as the Prince, rather, as a voice on behalf of Invictus Games.
“This award belongs to them, not to me,” he remarked. “It’s of great importance to me to highlight these allies, athletes and their amazing families for their achievements, their spirit and their courage at every opportunity.”
He then highlighted the impact of Invictus to the sports and service communities in his speech. “We’re celebrating ten years of witnessing life changing impact and healing through sport,” he mentioned. “While so much progress has been made since those first games, the world outside seems to be in an even more precarious state. We live in an age marked by polarization and division. Our community challenges that. Our community proves that unity is not just possible, but formidable. The beauty of the Invictus Games lies in how it brings people together. No matter one’s nationality, background or personal struggles.”
A tribute to Tillman
He then imparted a heartfelt adage to end his speech. “I will spare you another Latin lesson,” he jokes. “But it roughly translates to ‘Leave no one behind.’ They hold particular significance for the U.S. Army’s Rangers. And I have no doubt that Pat Tillman and his comrades lived by those words.”
He made a promise at the end, on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation. “No matter the road ahead, we are here for you,” he said. “We will leave no one behind.”
Banner photo from X @sa_squaddie.
