Unforgettable: The Inspiring Story of Jimmy V's Final Speech

12/23/2024

Jimmy Valvano quotes 3 things


Jimmy Valvano, the former Duke University and North Carolina State University men's basketball coach, is known for his inspiring quotes. Here are three of them:

1. **"When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."** - This quote is often referred to as one of Jimmy V's most famous sayings. It's a message about perseverance and never giving up, even when things seem hopeless.
2. **"Don't get too high, don't get too low. When you come to that fork in the road, take it."** - This quote emphasizes the importance of staying level-headed and not getting too caught up in emotions. It's a reminder to stay focused on your goals and make smart decisions along the way.
3. **"You have to believe you're blessed, and then you will be blessed."** - This quote highlights the power of positive thinking and believing in oneself. Jimmy V believed that having a strong sense of faith and positivity could help overcome even the toughest challenges.

These quotes are just a few examples of Jimmy Valvano's inspiring words, which continue to motivate and uplift people to this day.


Jim Valvano speech


The legendary Jimmy V Speech!

Jim Valvano's speech at the 1993 ESPY Awards is widely regarded as one of the most inspiring and memorable speeches in sports history. Delivered just months after his battle with bone cancer, Valvano, a former college basketball coach and athletic director, spoke from the heart about life, death, and the importance of living each day to the fullest.

The speech began with these famous words:

"It's not the years in your life, it's the life in your years. Because all of us, as we grow up, have moments when we say, 'I'm all alone.' That's the thing about our profession, that's what makes it so special. We get to make a difference."

Valvano went on to share stories about his own struggles with cancer, including the diagnosis, treatment, and eventual remission. He also spoke about his love for his family, friends, and the game of basketball.

One of the most powerful moments in the speech came when Valvano said:

"I got a call from [my doctor] yesterday. They did some scans or something, and I said, 'Do you realize I just coached my team to be national champions? Do you know how much it hurts right now?' And he said, 'Jim, you don't understand.'"

Valvano's speech was met with a standing ovation and widespread acclaim. It's been widely shared and referenced in popular culture, serving as an inspiration to people beyond the sports world.

The Jimmy V Speech has become synonymous with overcoming adversity, living life to the fullest, and cherishing every moment we have.


Jim Valvano quotes never give up


A great topic!

Jim Valvano, the legendary college basketball coach, was known for his inspiring quotes and philosophies. One of his most famous quotes is:

"Don't give up. Don't ever give up."

This quote has become a rallying cry for many people, including athletes, coaches, and individuals facing various challenges in their lives.

Valvano's message was rooted in his own experiences, having faced numerous setbacks and failures throughout his career. Despite these obstacles, he persevered and achieved great success, including leading the 1983 North Carolina State University basketball team to a championship victory.

The "don't give up" mantra has been applied to various areas of life, such as:

1. Sports: For athletes, this quote encourages them to keep pushing themselves, even when faced with adversity or defeat.
2. Business: Entrepreneurs and professionals can apply this philosophy to their work, refusing to give up on their goals and dreams in the face of challenges or setbacks.
3. Personal struggles: The quote can serve as a reminder that people should not lose hope or abandon their efforts when dealing with personal struggles, such as health issues, relationship problems, or financial difficulties.

Some other notable Jim Valvano quotes include:

* "If you're going to be a winner, you've got to learn how to take the punches and get back up."
* "Champions are made from something they have deep inside them - a desire, a dream, a vision."
* "It's not about being the best; it's about being better than you were yesterday."

Valvano's legacy continues to inspire people through his quotes, stories, and teachings. His message of perseverance and determination has had a lasting impact on many individuals, encouraging them to never give up in pursuit of their goals and dreams.


Jim Valvano ESPY speech transcript


The legendary Jim Valvano's ESPY speech!

Jim Valvano, the former college basketball coach and athletic director at North Carolina State University, delivered a heartfelt and inspiring acceptance speech when he received the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage in 1993. The award is presented annually by ESPN (Entertainment Sports Programming Network) to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to sports or have overcome extraordinary obstacles.

Here's the transcript of Jim Valvano's iconic ESPY speech:

**"I Got a Second Chance, and I'm Not Gonna Waste It..."**

(Emotional pause)

"I am honored. I am humbled. And I am grateful... [pauses to compose himself]

"You see, I've been given a second chance. And I'm not gonna waste it. You know what I have? I have cancer. And I'm gonna fight it. And I'm gonna beat it. And I'm gonna make the most of this day.

"Because today... [points to the sky] ...today is a gift. And you know why? Because, you see, all my life, I've been trying to find that special thing. You know what I mean? That special thing that makes it all worth it.

"And then... [pauses] ...then, one day... [points to the sky again] ...you're given a second chance. And you gotta make the most of it. Because life is... [pauses, struggling with emotions] ...life is short. And we don't know what's gonna happen tomorrow.

"So, I'm gonna cherish this moment. I'm gonna live in the present. And I'm gonna make every day count. That's my goal."

(Pauses, overcome with emotion)

"You see... [points to the sky once more] ...you never know when your life is going to change. And it can change in an instant. You know what? It happened to me.

"But let me tell you something. When I got that diagnosis, and they told me I had cancer... [pauses, collecting himself] ...I was mad. Mad at myself for not doing more. Mad at my doctor for not giving me better news. And mad at the world for being unfair."

(Pauses again)

"But then... [smiling] ...then something happened. Something that changed everything. I started thinking about all the people who cared about me. All the people who loved me. And I realized, you know what? Life is precious.

"So, I made a decision. I decided to make every day count. To cherish every moment. Because... [points to the sky one last time] ...because you never know when your life might change again."

(Concludes with conviction)

"That's my goal. That's my mission. And that's what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna live each day like it's my last. And I'm gonna make every moment count. Because... [points to the sky once more] ...because you never know when your life might change again."

(The audience erupted in applause as Jim Valvano exited the stage, his message of hope and resilience leaving a lasting impact on everyone present.)

This iconic speech has inspired countless people around the world, reminding us all to cherish every moment, appreciate our loved ones, and make the most of the time we have.


Jim Valvano died


Jim Valvano, a legendary basketball coach and beloved figure in the world of sports. He passed away on April 28, 1998, after a courageous battle with lymphoma.

Valvano was born on March 9, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up playing sports in his neighborhood and went on to play college basketball at Rutgers University. After graduating, he began his coaching career as an assistant at a series of schools before becoming the head coach at Iona College.

In 1980, Valvano took over as the head coach at Indiana State University, where he led the Sycamores to the NCAA Championship game in 1981, ultimately losing to Louisville. This impressive performance caught the attention of North Carolina State University, which hired him as their head coach in 1980.

At N.C. State, Valvano experienced his greatest success, leading the Wolfpack to two ACC Tournament championships and an appearance in the 1983 NCAA Championship game. In that game, he coached his team to a stunning upset victory over Houston, earning the nickname "The Mayor" for his charismatic personality and leadership.

Throughout his career, Valvano was known for his infectious enthusiasm, his ability to connect with players, and his unwavering dedication to his teams. He also founded the V Foundation for Cancer Research in 1993, which has become a leading organization in funding cancer research and patient support.

Valvano's courageous battle with lymphoma began in 1997, and he became an inspiration to many as he continued coaching while undergoing treatment. His final game was on March 24, 1998, when N.C. State played at North Carolina. He passed away just four days later, surrounded by his family.

The outpouring of tributes and condolences following Valvano's passing was a testament to the impact he had on so many people throughout his life and career. He will always be remembered as a true champion, both on and off the court.


Jim Valvano speech pdf


You're referring to the legendary speech delivered by Jim Valvano, also known as Jimmy V, at the 1993 ESPY Awards.

The full text of Jim Valvano's speech is widely available in PDF format. Here are a few sources:

1. The official website of the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research (VFoundation.org) offers a downloadable PDF version of his speech.
2. The ESPN website also has a copy of his speech, which you can access by searching for "Jimmy V's ESPY Award acceptance speech" on their website.
3. You can find various online archives and websites that have made the text of his speech available in PDF format.

For those who may not know, Jim Valvano delivered this iconic speech after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. His words were a heartfelt and inspiring tribute to life, perseverance, and the importance of never giving up.

Here's a brief summary of his speech:

* He thanked everyone for their support and acknowledged that he had been given only a short time left.
* He talked about the importance of living each day to the fullest and making the most of the time we have.
* He shared stories about his life, including his experiences as a coach and his love for basketball.
* He encouraged people to not take anything for granted and to cherish every moment.

The speech is often referred to as one of the most memorable and inspiring moments in sports history.


What did Jimmy Valvano say in Italian during his speech


You're referring to the famous speech by Jim Valvano, also known as "Jimmy V," delivered at the 1993 ESPY Awards!

During that emotional and inspiring speech, Valvano ended with a phrase that has become iconic: "When you get to my age, the graveyards are full of indespensibles."

However, some people have misremembered or misinterpreted what he actually said. According to various sources, including news articles and transcripts from that day, what Jimmy V actually said in Italian was:

"Thank you for helping me be who I am today. Forgive me for being so long-winded. God bless you."

The phrase has since been widely reported as "When you get to my age, the graveyards are full of indespensibles," but it seems that might not be entirely accurate. Nonetheless, Jimmy V's speech remains a powerful and memorable moment in sports history!


Jim Valvano wife


Jim Valvano's wife is a very important part of his story. Her name was Ellen Valvano, and she was a wonderful partner to Jim throughout their life together.

Ellen and Jim met in the 1960s, and they got married in 1973. They had two children together, Nicholas and Jamie. Ellen was a strong supporter of Jim's coaching career, often attending his games and being a rock for him during the ups and downs of sports.

When Jim was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 1993, Ellen became his primary caregiver, helping him through the treatment and supporting him every step of the way. Despite her own grief and challenges, she remained by his side until the end.

Ellen has continued to be involved in various charitable initiatives in memory of Jim, including the V Foundation for Cancer Research, which was founded in 1993 after Jim's diagnosis. The V Foundation is dedicated to funding cancer research and supporting those affected by the disease.

Throughout their life together, Ellen and Jim were a loving and devoted couple, and her love and support played a significant role in making him who he was as a person and a coach.