Two names well-known by Minnesota sports fans are being recognized for their incredible work throughout the Twin Cities communities and beyond.
ESPN announced its nominees for the 2022 Sports Humanitarian Awards, which includes the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award, Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Awards and Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year.
Free agent linebacker Anthony Barr, who spent the past eight seasons with the Vikings, and Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns are among four finalists for the Muhammad Alli Sports Humanitarian Award, joining Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols and Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver.
Minnesota became a second home for Barr, who has worked tirelessly to support single-parent scholars through his Raise the Barr foundation, as well as consistently being involved with Jeremiah Program, the Minneapolis Juvenile Detention Center and more.
Barr was named the 2021 Vikings Community Man of the Year for his off-field impact.
"It's always been about others," Anthony said upon receiving the Man of the Year honor. "It's never really been about me, whether it's football, family or community."
Barr's efforts have made a positive influence far beyond the state of Minnesota, though, as demonstrated through his inclusion as a finalist for the ESPY award.
"We're thrilled to recognize and celebrate those who are following in the footsteps of iconic humanitarians in sports including Muhammad Ali and Billie Jean King and are using the power of sports to create change," said Kevin Martinez, Vice President of ESPN Corporate Citizenship. "A week of powerful programming including and leading up to the ESPYS will showcase that the impact of sports reverberates well beyond the field of play and into communities across the globe."
Nominees for the other two humanitarian awards are as follows:
Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Awards
Chris Evert
Steve Gleason
Dikembe Mutombo
Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year
Denver Broncos
Miami HEAT
Pittsburgh Penguins
Seattle Storm
The Sports Humanitarian Awards will combine with The 2022 ESPYS Presented by Capitol One for a week of inspirational programming that showcases service, character and achievement in sports. The ESPYS will air live on ABC on July 20 at 7 p.m. (CT).
Multiple sports leagues and governing bodies including MLS, MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, PGA TOUR, UFC, USTA, WNBA and WWE are sponsors of the Sports Humanitarian Awards and have nominated athletes and teams who are transforming lives and uplifting communities. The Awards will once again benefit the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund at the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
