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Michelle Obama to present Arthur Ashe Courage Award at ESPYS

U.S. first lady Michelle Obama delivers opening remarks during the final Joining Forces event in the East Room of the White House November 14, 2016 in Washington, DC.
U.S. first lady Michelle Obama delivers opening remarks during the final Joining Forces event in the East Room of the White House November 14, 2016 in Washington, DC.
July 10, 2017

Michelle Obama will help posthumously honor Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver at the 25th ESPYs Wednesday night LIVE on Channel 2.

The former first lady will present the Arthur Ashe Courage Award to Shriver’s son, Timothy Shriver.

Shriver serves as the chair for the Special Olympics, an event his mother started in the 1960s to help empower people with intellectual disabilities.

Obama said that Eunice Shriver’s work to promote inclusion changed the lives of many young athletes.

“Eunice Kennedy Shriver was a passionate champion for those with developmental challenges, empowering them to fulfill their highest potential," Obama said in her statement. "Her work to promote inclusion and acceptance transformed the lives of countless young athletes and inspired us all. I am incredibly honored to present this award to her son to celebrate her life's work."

The courage award is given annually to someone who portrays exceptional courage and character, much like tennis legend Arthur Ashe did. Beyond the tennis court, Ashe was an avid human rights campaigner.

WATCH the ESPYs Wednesday at 8 p.m., LIVE on Channel 2!

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