WASHINGTON (7News) — Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin was named a finalist for the ESPN Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award on Tuesday, according to a news release.
The award, in its 11th year, is given to “an athlete whose continuous, demonstrated leadership has created a measured positive impact on their community through sports.”
Ovechkin has worked closely with the youth hockey scene in D.C. He’s also raised funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research through “THE GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer,” a partnership with the Capitals, Hockey Fights Cancer and The V Foundation For Cancer Research.
Ovechkin is donating money for every goal he scores during the remainder of his NHL career, with Monumental Sports & Entertainment matching his contributions, according to the release.
More than $150,000 has already been raised. Donations will be made to the V Foundation through Hockey Fights Cancer, supporting the Alex Ovechkin GR8 CHASE Pediatric Cancer Research Grant.
The 39-year-old has been a fixture in the D.C. sports community, and earning this award would further cement his legacy as one of the city’s best-ever athletes.
You can watch the Sports Humanitarian Awards during the 2025 ESPYS, airing live Wednesday, July 16 at 8 p.m. on 7News.