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Prince Harry has received his first ESPY Award!
Yes, the ESPYs are the awards for Excellence in Sports Performance. And no, Prince Harry is not a sports star. BUT he did start the Invictus Games in 2014, a global sporting event for injured and sick military service personnel, so he's made a significant contribution to the industry.
Taking to the stage during the ceremony, Harry accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service (named after the late American football player who joined the army after 9/11), and recognised the many people involved with the Games:
"The truth is, I stand here not as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman Award recipient, but rather a voice on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality. This award belongs to them, not to me."
He continued, "That said, it is 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, especially on nights like this, in front of people like you. Moments like these help us reach those that need Invictus the most and reduce the more than 20 veterans a day taking their own lives in this country alone."
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Prince Harry went on to explain how the games, now in its 10th year, has had a "life-changing impact" on so many, and is more important than ever:
"And 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 polarisation and division. Conflicts rage around the globe. Anger and resentment towards those who are different seem to pervade societies everywhere. Our community challenges that. Our community proves that unity is not just possible, but formidable."
He continued, "The beauty of the Invictus Games lies in how it brings people together, no matter one's nationality, background or personal struggles. It is a collective built from courage and mutual respect, where athletes discover time and time again, the common denominator of their humanity."
Harry took a moment to address Mary Tillman, Pat Tillman's mother, who shared her concerns with the media earlier about other recipients being more fitting of the award.
"I'd also like to acknowledge the Tillman family, especially Mrs. Mary Tillman, Pat's mother. 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."
As we know, Prince Harry lost his own mother, Princess Diana, in a car crash when he was 12.
Harry attended the ceremony with Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, who cheered him on during his speech. The ESPYs were hosted by their good friend and tennis icon Serena Williams.
(Feature Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for W+P)
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