Indiana Fever's Tamika Catchings wins inaugural ESPN humanitarian award
Fever forward Tamika Catchings added another award to her list of accolades Tuesday and this one has nothing to do with her play on the court.
Catchings was named the inaugural winner of ESPN's Sports Humanitarian of the Year during a ceremony at the Conga Room in Los Angeles. The Chicago Bulls received the Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year award. ESPN will air a 30-minute special of the event at 8:30 p.m. July 23.
The inaugural event helped raise more than $500,000 in net proceeds for The V Foundation’s Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Fund, as well as funding various other grants.
Catchings, along with three other professional athletes, were nominated for ESPN's inaugural Sports Humanitarian of the Year. The award was given to an athlete "whose continuous, demonstrated leadership has created a positive impact on their community through sports," according to an ESPN press release.
Catchings received a $75,000 grant to advance her Catch the Stars Foundation charity, as did the Bulls to continue their work in the community. All runners-up received a $25,000 grant. Donations came via ESPN's Corporate Citizenship department.
"Through their selflessness and compassion, the Sports Humanitarian of the Year Award honorees are improving lives of many around the world," ESPN president John Skipper said in the release. "The awards pay tribute to some incredible individuals and organizations and the extraordinary impact of their efforts on society."
In the case of Catchings, her Catch the Stars Foundation is devoted to promoting youth fitness, literacy and mentoring in Indianapolis. She teaches youth about embracing their differences, building their self-esteem and overcoming obstacles.
Catchings has served on the U.S. Department of State’s Council to Empower Women and Girls through Sports and has supported countless programs in the community through her unwavering volunteer efforts and financial support.
“I am humbled and very appreciative of the ESPN family, along with all of the people who voted for my Catch the Stars Foundation and me,” Catchings said.
“Winning this award is way more valuable than the monetary donation that comes along with it – it’s about being able to continue to impact the lives of so many youth that aspire to dream and reach their goals. We will continue pouring our efforts into the lives of our youth through our fitness, literacy and mentoring programs. What an honor and a blessing to be able to bless others!”
NFL wide receiver Anquan Boldin, WWE wrestler John Cena and NHL goalie Henrik Lundqvist were the other individual nominees. Teams considered with the Bulls included the Portland Timbers, the San Francisco 49ers and WWE Community Relations.
Four Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award winners received $25,000 grants, as well. Awards were given to individuals and causes that utilized a risk-taking and innovative approach to help others in need. The honorees were Pete Carroll, the “Like A Girl” Campaign, Bud and Sue Selig and the You Can Play Project.
Chris Sims contributed to this report. Follow Star reporter Blake Schuster on Twitter: @Schustee.