CARY, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jul 6, 2021–

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, and ESPN announce the 2021 ESPYS presented by Capital One will benefit cancer research funded through the V Foundation. The show will televise live July 10 on ABC at 8 p.m. EST and will be hosted by actor Anthony Mackie, star of Disney+’s “Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” ESPYS Week will honor the legacy of Stuart Scott, a former ESPN sportscaster who was a passionate supporter of cancer research and especially driven to improve outcomes for Black and other minority patients disproportionately affected by cancer. The annual event also highlights the partnership between the V Foundation and its founding partner ESPN as they work together toward Victory Over Cancer®.

In addition, the V Foundation’s Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund has been selected as the beneficiary of the seventh annual Sports Humanitarian Awards. The Sports Humanitarian Awards will honor the impact made by athletes, teams and sports industry professionals through awards like the Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award presented by Bristol Myers Squibb and the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award presented by Dove Men+Care. The event will air on Saturday, July 24 at 2 p.m. EST on ABC. Six years ago, the V Foundation and ESPN created the Stuart Scott Fund to support minority scientists and to invest in research to answer questions about why minority populations are more adversely impacted by some cancers. To date, the fund has awarded $12.7 million in research grants.

“Funding for cancer research has been down across the board this year due to the wide range of needs from the pandemic, yet it remains one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.,” said Kevin Martinez, ESPN’s vice president of Corporate Citizenship. “We remain committed to our long-standing tradition of raising funds for cancer research, especially for those who are disproportionately affected through the Stuart Scott Fund.”

Upcoming initiatives include:

• A social media campaign that kicks off on July 18, led by Sydni and Taelor Scott, Stuart’s daughters. #ScoopsForStu will raise awareness and promote funding for the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund while celebrating Stuart’s favorite treat.
• Learn more about the V Foundation and go inside the ‘ESPYS Control Room,’ an immersive 180-degree, 3D virtual experience letting fans feel like they’re behind the scenes of the ESPYS.
• A new campaign with Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman, Quenton Nelson, launches with a fundraiser on Wednesday, July 7, at Prime47 steakhouse in Carmel, Indiana. Quenton Nelson Blocking Cancer campaign future initiatives may include cause marketing programs with custom apparel and memorabilia, a performance-based fundraising model tied to in-game statistics during the NFL season, and a signature celebrity event in Indianapolis.
• A special PSA with David Robinson highlighting the Stuart Scott Fund.

The V Foundation’s story began at ESPN’s inaugural ESPY Awards in 1993. Jim Valvano, legendary basketball coach and ESPN commentator, received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award for his perseverance and positive outlook amidst his cancer diagnosis. During his inspirational speech, Jim announced the formation of the V Foundation. For 28 years, ESPN has partnered with the V Foundation to highlight the impact of funding life-saving cancer research.

“Together with ESPN, we are working diligently to advance cancer treatment and cutting-edge research for all,” said Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation. “We appreciate viewers and sponsors who demonstrate tremendous generosity through the ESPYS and Sports Humanitarian Awards. Together, we all represent one team fighting cancer with an unwavering commitment to save lives.”

The V Foundation holds 10 consecutive 4-star (highest) ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, making the Foundation among the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is also a GuideStar Platinum-rated charity.

The V Foundation and ESPN encourage everyone to stand up against inequities and disparities in cancer by making a donation to the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund at v.org/stuartscott. For more information on the V Foundation for Cancer Research, please visit v.org.

About the V Foundation for Cancer Research

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded more than $260 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Event proceeds benefit cancer research funded by the V Foundation. The Foundation awards game-changing grants through a competitive process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation, please visit v.org.

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SOURCE: V Foundation

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PUB: 07/06/2021 11:42 AM/DISC: 07/06/2021 11:42 AM

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