Stuart Scott Delivers Moving Acceptance Speech At ESPY Awards

Wednesday’s ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, Calif., were packed with comedy and laughter. However, ESPN took a short break from the shenanigans when it was time to present the Jimmy V. Perseverance Award, named after the late Jim Valvano, a college basketball coach who lost his battle to bone cancer in 1993.

This years award went to 21-year SportsCenter anchor Stuart Scott. He’s been battling appendiceal cancer for the past seven years and in doing so has had an extremely positive attitude and has shown tremendous physical and mental strength.

Scott’s acceptance speech was no different. After a short video documenting him and his family’s fight against the rare form of cancer, he delivered what undoubtably has to be his finest moment in television.

He showed his appreciation for the support he’s been receiving from family, co-workers friends and fans. “This whole fight, this journey thing, is not a solo venture,” he said. “This is something that requires support.”

He proved that while he may be down, he’s far from out. During his inspirational and moving address, he demonstrated humor and enthusiasm. He even shared that he had been through four surgeries in the seven days prior attending the ESPYS.

“When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer,” Scott told the audience. “You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.”

Scott is nothing short of an inspiration. Even in the midst of the toughest fight of his life, he makes it evident that he refuses to back down and that he is facing the situation with the same energy passion and positivity that he brings to his work.