Prince Harry to receive ESPY Award - Decision faces strong headwind
Prince Harry (39) will be honored for his work with the Invictus Games Foundation in July. A few days ago, it was announced that the Royal will receive the "Pat Tillman Award for Service" at the ESPY-Awards. However, there is now strong opposition, including from the mother of the veteran after whom the award is named.
Regarding the "Pat Tillman Award for Service," it is an award given to a person with a strong connection to sports who has served in a way that reflects the legacy of former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman (1976-2004). Tillman joined the military after September 11, 2001, and was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004 during an operation.
Tillman's Mother Speaks Out Against Harry as Award Presenter
According to the British "Daily Mail," Tillman's mother Mary stated that she was not consulted about the decision to give the award to Prince Harry. "I am shocked that such a controversial and divisive person was chosen," the newspaper quotes her as saying. In her opinion, there are people who are "much more deserving." "There are people who work in the veteran community and do great things to support veterans. These people don't have the money, resources, relationships, or privileges that Prince Harry has. I believe these people should be recognized."
Petition Against Prince Harry
On the platform "change.org," a petition was even opened over the weekend, urging the organizers to reconsider their decision. The petition states: "Prince Harry is a former military officer, but was involved in controversies that call into question his suitability for an award of this magnitude." By Sunday evening (30. June), the petition had almost 10,000 signatures.
The ESPY Awards have been given annually by ESPN since 1993, mainly to athletes. In 2023, the award went to the members of the Buffalo Bills football team, who revived a teammate on the field. ESPN announced that Prince Harry would be honored "in recognition of his tireless efforts for the veteran community through the power of sports."
- Despite the controversy surrounding Prince Harry's receipt of the "Pat Tillman Award for Service" at the ESPY Awards, he is set to be honored for his work with the Invictus Games Foundation in July.
- The decision to give the award to Prince Harry has faced opposition, with Tillman's mother expressing her disapproval and stating that there are more deserving individuals in the veteran community.
- The petition on change.org against Prince Harry's receipt of the award has gained momentum, with almost 10,000 signatures by Sunday evening.
- The ESPY Awards, initiated by ESPN in 1993, are primarily given to athletes, but the award in 2023 went to the Buffalo Bills football team for reviving a teammate on the field.
- Prince Harry will be recognized at the ESPY Awards for his tireless efforts for the veteran community through the power of sports, which aligns with the Invictus Games he founded.
- Prince Harry's connection to the military, through his own service and his work with the Invictus Games, places him within the context of the ESPY Award's "Service" category, despite the headwinds he is facing.
