Alex Ovechkin nominated for 2025 Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award

While Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is still conquering the ice rink, his momentous contributions off the rink have granted him one of sports' most prestigious recognitions.

Ovechkin has become one of the 2025 Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award finalists after years of making humanity the focus of sport. In any case, more than scoring goals and breaking records, Ovechkin has ultimately borne witness to life and the challenges of cancer, and has provided opportunities for young people in hockey.

Alex Ovechkin’s cancer campaign and youth initiatives define his humanitarian legacy

Alex Ovechkin took his life-improving ventures through sport to another level this year, launching his great initiative, Gr8 Chase for Victory Over Cancer.

The campaign brings awareness and supports pancreatic cancer research with the assistance of the Capitals, Hockey Fights Cancer, and The V Foundation. Since making history by scoring his 885th NHL goal, Ovechkin has pledged donations for each goal he scores for the rest of his professional career.

The campaign has already raised over $150,000, with donations still coming in as he continues to climb up the scoring charts.

This humanitarian thrust is not new for Alex Ovechkin. In fact, right from the start when he entered the NHL, he fought for access and inclusion in the game of hockey. Back in 2006, he started a program called "Ovi's 8's," which is meant to take children from underprivileged communities to watch Capitals games. His vision of bringing hockey closer to the young fans will be the very inspiration behind a new generation of players and fans in Washington, D.C.

In recognition of his commitment to inclusion, Ovechkin is considered to be supporting the ASHA. He promoted adaptive hockey in the U.S., organizing various street hockey games, as well as skating programs for children with developmental disabilities. Most times, he would even pay for the rental of the ice to ensure that the programs thrive.The long commitment to being of service and showing leadership most certainly makes Ovechkin one of the finalists for this year's Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award.

The award honors those athletes who instill genuine change into their communities and will be awarded on July 15, with an ABC highlights broadcast aired during the ESPYS on July 16.Also Read: Mitch Marner’s farewell with the Toronto Maple Leafs ends an epic saga of the club filled with heart, hope and heartbreakAlex Ovechkin is already an established name in the annals of NHL history, but perhaps his greatest contribution lies beyond the rink. His ceaseless efforts in cancer research and youth development continue to impact lives, validating the maxim that true greatness is defined by giving back.