The ESPYs isn't only about the best athletes in the world receiving heavy metal objects on stage in front of a lot of pretty people.
It's also about cancer research, humanitarian work and giving back to the community. At the heart of the ESPYs (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Award) is a commitment to recognizing those individuals whose contributions transcend sports. And 24 years ago, at the first annual ESPYs, Jim Valvano received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award for launching, with ESPN, The V Foundation benefiting cancer research.
"I'm fighting cancer, everybody knows that…" the college basketball coach turned broadcaster, who passed away in 1993, said while accepting his award. "Now I look at where I am now, and I know what I want to do. What I would like to be able to do is spend whatever time I have left and to give, and maybe, some hope to others. We need your help. I need your help. We need money for research. It may not save my life. It may save my children's lives. It may save someone you love."
Since 1993 the foundation has awarded more than $150 million to more than 120 facilities nationwide. In the past 12 years alone, ESPN is proud to have contributed more than $27 million, 100 percent of which the foundation awards directly to cancer research and related programs.
ESPN also awards a Jimmy V Perseverance Award, the first one going to women's college coach Kay Yow back in 2007. Beloved NBA commentator Craig Sager, who's currently battling a recurrence of leukemia and recently called his first-ever NBA Finals game, is getting the honor this year.
Meanwhile, the Arthur Ashe Courage Award continues to be one of the most prestigious in sports. And while Jim was the first to receive the recognition, those who have succeeded him have similarly embodied the spirit of Ashe, someone who in the face of adversity took a stand with an eye on opening the door for others, someone who believed so strongly that staying silent wasn't an option.
The 2016 ESPYs, hosted by John Cena at Los Angeles' Microsoft Theater, airs tonight on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/PT.