Jimmy Valvano and his “Don’t Give Up” speech at the ESPYs became an instant classic. Previously, he was best known as the fiesty NC State men’s basketball coach who upset heavily favored Houston in the 1983 NCAA Championship. Now, he’s probably just as famous for this ESPYs speech.
Jimmy Valvano at the ESPYs
After NC State upset highly favored Houston in the 1983 NCAA Championship in a memorable dunk at the buzzer by Lorenzo Charles, those who watched the game will not forget Jimmy Valvano running up and down the court searching for someone to hug.
People also remember Jimmy Valvano for a memorable speech he gave while accepting the inaugural Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award shortly before he died of cancer. Valvano announced the formation of the “V Foundation”, an organization dedicated to finding a cure for cancer and its motto: “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.”
Jimmy Valvano — 1993 ESPY speech
Complete Jimmy V Speech: Don’t Ever Give Up
Now I’m Fighting Cancer (Note subheads are not part of the speech)
Three Things To Do Every Day per Jimmy Valvano
Coaching at Rutgers University — Jimmy Valvano
Jimmy Valvano Locker Room Speech
Inspiration from Lombardi
Practicing Speech
Inspiration
Give Hope to Others
We Need Money For Research
Thanks, ESPN
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