Courage Award renamed by Greater Cleveland Sports Commission to honor Jim Donovan’s memory

The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission revealed that they are renaming one of their awards to pay tribute to Jim Donovan, the former sports anchor at WKYC and radio commentator for the Cleveland Browns.

During “3News at 5,” Greater Cleveland Sports Commission CEO David Gilbert announced that the “Cleveland Clinic Sports Medicine Courage Award” will be renamed as the “Jim Donovan Courage Award presented by Cleveland Clinic Sports Medicine.” 

The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission said the award is being renamed “to honor his legacy and the incredible courage he showed while battling leukemia throughout his broadcasting career.” 

Donovan worked as a sports and news anchor at WKYC for 39 years and was the radio voice of the Cleveland Browns for 25 seasons. He passed away in October months after his retirement from the station in June.

In 2016, Donovan was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. He supported the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission’s mission and the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards event.

This year’s recipient of the award will be Avon High School football player Josian Sanders, 

“Josiah, a senior, defied the odds in recovering from a catastrophic knee injury and returning to varsity play in September 2024. After suffering multiple ligament knee injuries – including tears to the ACL, PCL, and LCL – during a game on Sept. 23, 2023, Josiah’s recovery has been a testament to his resilience and determination,” said the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards in a press release. 

Josiah will receive the award during the 25th Greater Cleveland Sports Awards on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. 

“I am incredibly proud of Josiah’s perseverance,” said Cleveland Clinic surgeon, Michael Scarcella, M.D. “Not only did he face a severe and complex injury, but he also had to contend with significant healthcare challenges that delayed his rehab. His determination and grit to overcome these obstacles and return to the field are nothing short of remarkable.”

New this year, the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission is selling a $75 admission ticket to the “Diehard District.” Each ticket will include a $10 loaded value for concessions and access to the official after-party. 

Tickets can be purchased HERE.