Michael Jordan had the world in awe with his touching speech after winning Athlete of the Century over Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson
The Greatest of All Time Reflects on His Legacy and Those Who Inspired Him
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Michael Jordan
In a historic moment for sports, Michael Jordan was crowned Athlete of the Century at the 1999 ESPY Awards, beating out basketball greats such as Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Oscar Robertson. The event was a true testament to Jordan’s unparalleled achievements in the game of basketball.
In his acceptance speech, Jordan humbly acknowledged the honor bestowed upon him, stating that he didn’t believe he was deserving of it. He went on to pay tribute to the athletes who had paved the way for him, providing him with the opportunity to be where he was that night.
Jordan’s family was not left out of his list of gratitude as he took the time to thank his parents and siblings for their unwavering support throughout his career. He also recognized the contribution of his coaches and teammates who played a crucial role in his success.
“First of all, I’m very honored to receive this award, but I have to say that I don’t think I’m deserving of it,” Jordan began. “There are so many great athletes that have paved the way for me and have given me the opportunity to be here today.”
It was impossible for Jordan not to acknowledge the impact of Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Oscar Robertson, who had also been nominated for the award. Jordan praised the trio for being pioneers in the game of basketball, paving the way for him and other basketball players who followed in their footsteps. “These guys are pioneers of the game,” Jordan said. “They paved the way for me and for every other basketball player who came after them. Without them, I wouldn’t be standing here today.“
In closing, Jordan thanked his fans for their unwavering support and promised to give back to the game that had given him so much. He reminded the audience that despite being crowned Athlete of the Century, he was still just a kid from North Carolina who loved playing basketball and would forever be grateful for the opportunities the game had given him.
Michael Jordan Grants Over 1,000 Wishes for Children on His 60th Birthday
Basketball legend Michael Jordan celebrated his 60th birthday on February 17th, 2023, with a philanthropic gesture that has left a lasting impact. In an act of kindness, the NBA icon made a generous donation to Make-A-Wish, a nonprofit organization that grants wishes to children with critical illnesses. Jordan’s donation is set to help Make-A-Wish fulfil over 1,000 wishes for children across the country.
In a heartfelt statement, Jordan expressed his motivation behind the donation, stating, “I wanted to celebrate my milestone by giving back to the children who need it most. It’s an honor to support Make-A-Wish and help fulfil the wishes of these amazing kids. I hope my decision will inspire others to do the same.”
Jordan has been a staunch supporter of Make-A-Wish since 1988, granting more than 200 wishes and donating millions of dollars to the organization over the years. In recognition of his contributions, he received the Make-A-Wish Chris Greicius Celebrity Award, which recognizes celebrities who have gone above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of wish kids.
Make-A-Wish CEO Richard Davis conveyed his gratitude for Jordan’s contribution, saying, “Michael Jordan’s generosity will bring joy and hope to so many children facing critical illnesses. His commitment to our mission has been unwavering, and we are incredibly grateful for his continued support.“
Jordan’s donation has come at a crucial time when the COVID-19 pandemic has made it challenging for Make-A-Wish to grant wishes. The organization has had to cancel or postpone many wishes due to travel restrictions and health concerns. However, with Jordan’s donation, Make-A-Wish can continue to grant wishes and bring happiness to children during these difficult times.
Jordan’s act of kindness serves as a reminder of the power of one person to make a difference in the lives of others. His generosity is sure to inspire others to give back and make a positive impact in their communities.
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Gerard Crispin
(3318 Articles Published)