Jimmy V Week raises nearly $1.6 million

BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) - ESPN says the sixth annual Jimmy V Week for Cancer Research has set a fundraising record by generating nearly $1.6 million in contributions.

The previous record was $1.3 million in 2011. In six years, Jimmy V Week has generated $6.8 million for The V Foundation for Cancer Research, the network announced Thursday.

This season's Jimmy V Week - from Nov. 27-Dec. 4 - featured a simulcast of Jim Valvano's speech at the 1993 ESPYS.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, who coached North Carolina State to the 1983 national championship and later became a popular commentator at the network. Since 1993, The V Foundation has awarded more than $100 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide.