ESPN said it has launched its 18th Annual V Week for Cancer Research on December 3, Giving Tuesday.
V Week is designed to raise funds for the V Foundation, started by legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator Jim Valvano.
ESPN says that it has helped raise more than $237 million for the V Foundation’s crusade against cancer and that 100% of all funds raised will be directed to cancer research.
This year’s V Week will feature storytelling around the impact of cancer in the sports world and the importance of cancer research and support systems for all those who are impacted.
“Each year, we’re incredibly excited for Giving Tuesday and V Week and are appreciative to our founding partner ESPN for their continued investment in helping us fundraise for game-changing cancer research,” said Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
“ESPN is proud to carry on the torch Jim Valvano lit in his legendary speech over 30 years ago, as we make strides in supporting cancer research with the goal to achieve Victory Over Cancer,” said Kevin Martinez, vice president of ESPN Corporate Citizenship. “As we approach the 10-year anniversary of legendary ESPN broadcaster Stuart Scott’s passing from cancer, ESPN is committed to continue to honor his legacy and raise funds and awareness in the fight against cancer.”
Special programming includes:
- The ESPN Roadblock, a 15-minute special that features the timeless Jim Valvano 1993 ESPYS speech as well as a tribute to his legacy and the impact of the V Foundation. The Roadblock runs from 7-7:15 p.m. ET on December 4 across nearly all ESPN networks and platforms.
- NFL My Cause My Cleats, with Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Kelee Ringo and Detroit Lions defensive end Josh Paschal wearing V Foundation-inspired cleats during the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative.
- The 30th Annual Men’s Jimmy V Classic begins with a pair of matchups on Dec. 10 at Madison Square Garden. At 6:30 p.m. ET, Miami faces No. 3 Tennessee, and at 9 p.m. ET Michigan takes on Arkansas. Both games will be on ESPN.
- Boo-Yah (Dec. 11) will be hotels by the V Foundation as a tribute to the late ESPN sportscaster Stuart Scott. Funds raised at the event will benefit the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund dedicated to tackling racial disparities in cancer outcomes. The fund has awarded $19.5 million in grants since 2015.
- Fight Like Hell Night (Dec. 14), with the UFC continuing to support the V Foundation. This year, UFC is dedicating its fight on Dec. 14 to the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund. Fight Like Hell Night will feature Stuart Scott-related content and personal cancer stories from the UFC community. While battling cancer, Scott would do MMA training after chemotherapy treatments.
- Women’s Jimmy V Classic (Dec. 15) features North Carolina State and No. 22 Louisville at 1 p.m. ET on ABC. This matchup will be played in Louisville at the KFC Yum! Center.
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Jon Lafayette is the Sports Editor for Barrett Media. His focus is on the business of sports, including revenue-generating activities, executive intrigue and on-air and behind the scenes talent. Jon previously covered big stories in the media industry as business editor of Broadcasting+Cable. Before B+C, Jon covered the TV and advertising industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago. He can be reached by email at Jon@BarrettMedia.com.
