The ESPY Awards are broadcasted tonight at 8PM ET on ESPN.
While he may not be there in physical presence, the spirit of Stuart Scott will be blessing the awards after the tremendous speech he gave at the ceremony last year. While in failing health, Scott took to the stage — like Jim Valvano before him — and delivered a lesson on life through his sufferings with cancer.
"When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer," said Scott in his speech. "You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live."
Scott did eventually succumb to cancer when he passed away on January 4, but the reaction and outpouring of grief shown in the wake of his death proved that Scott was right; Scott beat cancer through the family he raised, the people he entertained in life, and the influence he has left after his death.
Scott ended his ESPY speech by hugging his daughter, and delivering a final message to the American sports audience that he had happily greeted on Sportscenter for so many years.
"Have a great rest of your night and have a great rest of your life."
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