Prince Harry Is About to Receive a *Major* Award
Prince Harry is about to add another accolade to his list of honors. The Duke of Sussex is set to receive the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards.
Named after the NFL star and Army Ranger who gave up his sports career to serve his country after the September 11 attacks, this prestigious accolade honors individuals who embody Tillman's spirit of dedication and sacrifice.
Prince Harry has a decade-long military career under his belt, including two impactful tours in Afghanistan where he served as a forward air controller and Apache helicopter pilot.
Beyond his service, Harry is being celebrated for founding The Invictus Games Foundation. This remarkable organization supports wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Invictus Games have become a global event, showcasing the incredible strength and resilience of both active and veteran service members as they compete in a variety of sports.
Thank you to the @ESPYS for honouring the founding of the #InvictusGames Foundation by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex and our work to support the rehabilitation of the international wounded, injured or sick service community. #IAMHere #InvictusSpirit 💛🖤
— Invictus Games Foundation 💛🖤 (@WeAreInvictus) June 27, 2024
Following the news, the foundation shared its gratitude for acknowledging its founder.
“Thank you to the @ESPYS for honouring the founding of the #InvictusGames Foundation by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex and our work to support the rehabilitation of the international wounded, injured or sick service community,” read the post.
However, the news wasn’t as exciting to everyone. In a heartfelt statement, Pat’s mother, Mary, voiced that there are many unsung heroes without resources who are also deserving of the award, per Daily Mail.
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Despite the response from Tillman's mother, ESPN issued a statement about its choice of recipient, telling Us Weekly, “ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honoring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, specifically for the work of The Invictus Games Foundation as it celebrates its 10th year promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the world.”
“While we understand not everyone will agree with all honorees selected for any award, The Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating.”
The 2024 ESPY Awards on ABC Thursday, July 11, at 8 p.m. ET.
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