Jimmy’s 1993 ESPY Speech

Jim Valvano gave one of the most inspirational speeches in sports history at the inaugural ESPY Awards in March, 1993. Valvano, who was in the final stages of his fight with bone cancer, was 10 years removed from coaching North Carolina State during their memorable NCAA Championship run, but remained one of college basketball’s most beloved personalities. While accepting the inaugural Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award, he announced the creation of The V Foundation for Cancer Research, an organization dedicated to finding a cure for cancer. He announced that the Foundation’s motto would be “Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up.” He lost the battle to cancer 2 months later.

Click here for the full transcript of the speech.