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5 Inspirational Sports Speeches

If you haven't stumbled across the  inspiring video of  Rhode Island Little  League coach Dave Belisle's speech to his team after their loss in the Little League World Series that's gone viral this week you may have been on vacation...on a deserted island.

With all the complaints about sports we hear: the absurd money, the injury risks, the poor sportsmanship, the crazy parents & abusive coaches...

The true power & valuable lessons that sports can provide:  discipline, teamwork, sacrifice, sportsmanship; winning & losing graciously, achieving goals are often forgotten

Sometimes we need a reminder of those ideals & Coach Belisle gave us the prefect reminder as we head into the NFL regular season & the MLB Playoffs.

 

Here's 5 of the greatest sports speeches ever given (& Coach Belisle's at the bottom if you just got back from the island).

 

5.  Ray Lewis: It Ain't About One Play

Ray Lewis gives the Ravens perspective on wins & losses & what it means after a tough loss in the 2012 AFC Championship game in New England.

Speech Of The Week: Ray Lewis Of Baltimore Ravens Speech After Losing To This Patriots! by dablacksnow on YouTube

 

Bonus Ray : Pissed Off For Greatness

 

4.  Jack Buck: 9/11 Poem

One of the greatest sportscasters ever gave this moving speech/poem that he authored 6 days after the 9/11 World Trade Center terrorist attacks.

"We do not covet the possessions of others; we are blessed with the bounty we share."

Jack Buck's 9-11 Poem by titolandrumrocks on YouTube

 

3. Lou Gehrig: The Luckiest Man On The Face Of The Earth

As everyone is currently dumping ice water on their heads to help support ALS, the man whose name graces the awful disease must be on this list. Lou Gehrig gave one of histories most brave & inspiring farewell speeches.

Lou Gehrig Speech by meStudio on YouTube

 

2.  Herb Brooks: Miracle On Ice (delivered by Kurt Russell)

"Great Moments are born from great opportunity."  The victory over Russia for the 1980 Olympic Gold Medal in Hockey is one of the greatest moments in US sports history  & Coach Brooks' speech stands as one of the great speeches.

Miracle - Coach Brooks Addresses Team Pre Game by murphystar1 on YouTube

 

1. Jimmy V: Never Give Up (1993 Espys)

Loved & respected long-time North Carolina State basketball coach Jim Valvano received the Arthur Ashe Courage & Humanitarian Award as he was battling cancer. His speech will remain as one of the all-time great speeches. Inspiring, brave & giving perspective on life & sports as only he could.

Jim's 1993 ESPY Speech by The V Foundation for Cancer Research on YouTube

 

BONUS: Dave Belisle's speech to the Cumberland (RI) Americans. Moving & pitch perfect.

 

Chris Spiridigliozzi
Web Administrator for CBS Radio Baltimore - Ravens, Orioles & snark enthusiast.

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