Former first lady Michelle Obama will visit Los Angeles Wednesday to posthumously honor Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of the Special Olympics, during the 25th annual ESPY Awards.
“Eunice Kennedy Shriver was a passionate champion for those with developmental challenges, empowering them to fulfill their highest potential,” Obama said in a statement released by the ESPYs. “Her work to promote inclusion and acceptance transformed the lives of countless young athletes and inspired us all.”
Obama will present the Arthur Ashe Courage Award to Shriver’s son, Timothy, the chairman of Special Olympics.
The Arthur Ashe award is presented to someone “whose contributions transcend sports,” with past recipients including Billie Jean King, Muhammad Ali, Howard Cosell and Jim Valvano.
The ESPY Awards will be presented Wednesday night at Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles, hosted by Peyton Manning.
