Michelle Obama returned to the spotlight as a presenter at The ESPYs Wednesday night in Los Angeles, drawing the loudest ovation at the awards show honoring the past year’s best athletes and moments in sports.
The former first lady has rarely made public appearances since leaving the White House in January. She presented the Arthur Ashe Courage Award posthumously to Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of the Special Olympics. Shriver’s son Tim accepted it on her behalf.
“I am here tonight to honor a remarkable woman, a woman who believed that everyone has something to contribute and everyone deserves a chance. When we give others the chance to fulfill their greatest potential, we all win,” Obama said before being joined onstage by eight Special Olympics athletes. “Through her passionate service, she made our world more welcoming, inclusive and fair.”
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Shriver accepted the silver trophy from Obama.
“Once a great first lady, still a great first lady,” he said, as the crowd roared.
Obama, her arm on one of the athletes, smiled as Shriver urged that more work needs to be done to achieve equality for people with disabilities.
“Our mother would have loved you,” he said. “She would have loved your forthrightness, your honesty, your toughness, your commitment also to get everybody on the playing field. She would have been so honored that you are here for her tonight, as we all are.”
Obama walked off the stage sharing a hug with one of the female athletes.
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