The third-annual 2013 Hall of Game Awards on Cartoon Network gave us all a nice change of pace from the more traditional and serious Grammy Awards on Sunday night.
Voted on by kids and fans of Cartoon Network, the awards show provided a fun and entertaining forum for recognizing outstanding athletic performances from the past year.
Perhaps the biggest success of the night was the short, but sweet, acceptance speeches. We’ve all sat through the Grammy and Academy Awards speeches that drag on for a seeming eternity.
Another success of the event was the large appreciation for the U.S. Olympic athletes that succeeded and won multiple Gold medals in London last summer. In fitting fashion, the show ended by recognizing each and every one of them in attendance.
Let's take a look at some other highlights from the event and then recap the winners for those of you who missed it.
Highlights
Eli Manning Cutout Accepts Award with Victor Cruz
Eli Manning couldn’t be at the show to accept either of his awards, but Victor Cruz didn’t want to come up on stage alone so he improvised here.
Shaq and Nick Cannon Hijinks
Shaq and Nick Cannon were fun throughout the night. They jousted, played with a drumline, swapped clothes showing their ridiculous size differential and were also were up in the air every time Cannon said “Alti-Dude,” the name of the award they were getting ready to present.
Pee-wee Football Player Wins Award
Sam Gordon certainly was a viral hit this year. This young woman scored 35 touchdowns in a single season, earning her the Most Viral Player Award.
Take a look:
Victor Cruz’s Unique Presentation
While presenting the Best Mascot award the New York Giants receiver came out dancing to Gangnam Style with Shaquille O’Neal dressed as the Korean rapper. The best part was the two performing the viral dance with the mascot finalists.
Complete Awards Results
We Got Game: USA Olympic Women’s Gymnastics Team
Dynamic Duo: Eli Manning and Victor Cruz, New York Giants
That’s How I Roll: Ryan Lochte, Olympic Swimmer
Alti-Dude: Nyjah Huston, Skateboarder
In It to Win It: David Price, Tampa Bay Rays
Most Viral Player: Sam Gordon, pee-wee football player
He’s Got Game: LeBron James, Miami Heat
She’s Got Game: Gabby Douglas, Olympic Gymnast
Gnarliest Newcomer: Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
Most Awesome Mascot: Rocky from the Denver Nuggets
Dance Machine: Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens
Whoa-Ment: Mitchie Brusco, Skateboarder
Super Siblings: Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos and Eli Manning, New York Giants
Fanatic Fanstars: Oklahoma City Thunder
Best Foes Forever: Duke vs. UNC
Amped Up Anthem: Psy, “Gangnam Style”
