The former WBC world heavyweight champion, the owner of the status of the “eternal” champion of the organization, the current mayor of Kyiv, Ukrainian Vitali Klitschko, will be awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the prestigious ESPY 2022 Awards ceremony, held annually under the auspices of ESPN.
In the official
statement The organizers noted that Vitaliy Vladimirovich will receive an award “for the courage he showed during the ongoing military invasion of the Russian army into his native country, during which he acted as a public face of the resistance of Ukraine.”
ESPN executive editor Rob King comments:
“Vitali’s poise and strength as his city and country face unfathomable challenges far exceed the incredible determination he has shown as one of the world’s top heavyweight boxing champions. His commitment to the people of Ukraine has become a source of global inspiration, and his courage is a vivid example of the resilience of the human spirit. We are honored to present him with the Arthur Ashe Award.”
Klitschko thanked ESPN for his choice:
“I am honored to receive this award. I am convinced that this is a recognition of the courage and inviolability of the Ukrainian people, who have courageously resisted the Russian aggressor for more than three months. This is an award for everyone who defends the independence and freedom of Ukraine.”
It is worth noting that in the past, the winners of the Award in the category “For Courage” were, in particular, Muhammad Ali and Nelson Mandella. It is awarded “for activities that transcend sports and have a significant impact on the world.”
The criminal military invasion of the Russian Federation into the territory of Ukraine began on the morning of February 24 and has been going on for more than 100 days.