Orlando City to be Honored by ESPN with the Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award

A year ago this week, a shooter went into the Pulse Nightclub and killed 49 people. How Orlando City SC responded changed the reputation of the club forever, and, as a result, Orlando City will be honored by ESPN with the Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award on July 11.

After the tragedy, the Lions hosted the first sporting event in the city on June 18, 2016 and celebrated the LGBT community. For the first time MLS history, there was a deliberate stop in the game, in the 49th minute, for a moment of silence for the 49 victims. The entire city seemed to be filled with #OrlandoStrong shirts. The club raised $500,000 for the OneOrlando Fund. The most visible thing that the club did, though, might be the 49 rainbow-colored seats that were permanently built in to its brand new stadium.

In honor of the beloved sportscaster Stuart Scott, the Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award “celebrates those taking a risk and using an innovative approach to help the disadvantaged through the power of sports,” per release from ESPN.

“We are grateful and honored to be nominated and chosen for this award,” said Orlando City Vice President of Communications Kay Rawlins. “This is one of the most important awards we could receive because it’s about the positive impact we could have in the community as an organization.”

Rawlins will be present in Los Angeles to accept the award for the club.

In addition to the award, a $100,000 donation will be granted to a humanitarian charity of the club’s choice by ESPN. Orlando City has opted to split the donation between Better Together Fund, Contigo Fund, and the OnePulse Foundation.

According to the release, the club and its supporters “crafted a bold, inspired and innovative response. The club, in its second year in the league, took a stand to define their character and commitment for respect and inclusion. And their commitment continues.”

The ceremony will not be broadcast live, but you can view the highlights through ESPN on July 25 at 7 p.m. ET.