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- Steve Gleason to receive Arthur Ashe Courage Award at 2024 ESPYS (newsbreak.com)
Steve Gleason, the former safety for the New Orleans Saints, has been chosen as the recipient of the 2024 Arthur Ashe Courage Award, ESPN disclosed on Thursday. This award is bestowed upon those who go beyond the realm of sports, embodying the principles of courage, strength, and the resolve to advocate for one’s beliefs despite challenging circumstances, in line with the legacy of Arthur Ashe.
Gleason expressed his gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing how documenting his battle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) over the past 13 years aimed at exploring the possibility of finding peace and freedom amidst severe adversity. He acknowledged the award as not only an honor but also a significant opportunity to amplify his impact and assistance to others, as per his Instagram statement.
Known for his exceptional contributions to special teams from 2000 to 2008, Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in 2011, a debilitating disease that progressively impairs the neurological function, leading to loss of movement, speech, and ultimately, life, without a cure available presently. He, along with his wife Michel, established Team Gleason following his diagnosis with the goal to enhance the lives of those living with ALS by offering crucial technology, equipment, and support services.
In recognition of his advocacy, the Steve Gleason Act was enacted in 2018, facilitating the accessibility of essential communication devices like eye-tracking technology for individuals with ALS. Gleason further made history in 2020 as the inaugural NFL player honored with the Congressional Gold Medal for his ALS advocacy efforts.
Celebrated for his leadership and iconic play, particularly a blocked punt during a pivotal game against the Atlanta Falcons in 2006 after Hurricane Katrina, Gleason’s on-field legacy is immortalized in a statue at the Superdome and his journey has been captured in the 2016 Sundance Film Festival-debuted documentary “Gleason.” His memoir, “A Life Impossible,” co-authored with Jeff Duncan, was published in April.
Additionally, ESPN announced that Dawn Staley, the University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball coach, is set to receive the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, while Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, will be honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service.
The event, to be hosted by Serena Williams, will be broadcast live on Thursday, July 11, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, marking the 2024 ESPYS ceremony.
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- Steve Gleason to receive Arthur Ashe Courage Award at 2024 ESPYS (newsbreak.com)