The 2024 ESPY Awards are set for Thursday, July 11 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC and will be hosted by tennis legend Serena Williams.
The annual event celebrates the past year in sports, awarding the best athletes — and teams — that provided the most memorable and iconic moments at all levels.
Among the most prestigious awards is the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, an honor that in many ways, transcends the world of sports.
Learn more about the award as well as its winner in 2024.
What is the Arthur Ashe Award?
Per ESPN, the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage is given to recipients that “reflect the spirit of Arthur Ashe, possessing strength in the face of adversity, courage in the face of peril and the willingness to stand up for their beliefs no matter what the cost.”
The award itself is not limited to just athletes, as it is given to a member of the sporting world whose difference transcends sports to impact the world.
Who is Arthur Ashe?
Born in 1943, Arthur Ashe was an American tennis player who won three Grand Slam titles during his career — the 1968 US Open, 1970 Australian Open and Wimbledon in 1975. Ashe is the only Black man to win the singles title at each of the events.
After retiring from the sport in 1980, Ashe became an influential voice in civil rights, serving as a member of a delegation of African Americans who worked towards bringing the end of South African Apartheid.
Ashe was diagnosed with HIV in 1988 and went public with his diagnosis in 1992. He would go on to found the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS and the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health, spending his last days working to educate the masses and increase awareness surrounding HIV and AIDS.
Ashe died from AIDS-related pneumonia on Feb. 6, 1993. He was 49 years old.
Arthur Ashe Award winners by year
Steve Gleason, former New Orleans Saints safety, won the Arthur Ashe Award in 2024. Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 and has documented his journey with the disease over the past 13 years.
“Over the past 13 years, I’ve been documenting our journey with ALS,” Gleason wrote on Instagram. “My aim has always been to see if we can discover peace and freedom with a love of Life, in the midst of extreme adversity. Being recognized at The 2024 ESPYS is not just an honor, but a powerful platform to further help and serve others. Thank you, ESPN, for this incredible accolade.”
| Year | Winner |
| 2024 | Steve Gleason |
| 2023 | United States women’s national soccer team |
Jim Valvano ESPY Awards speech
The inaugural ESPY Awards were held on March 4, 1993, just weeks after Ashe’s death. Former college basketball coach Jim Valvano, who led NC State to a historic national title in 1983, was honored as the first-ever Arthur Ashe Award recipient.
Less than a year prior, Valvano was diagnosed with metastatic cancer and during his acceptance speech, admitted that he did not know how much time he had left to live. In the now-iconic speech, Valvano announced the creation of The V Foundation for Cancer Research and provided a number of unforgettable musings.
Valvano died on April 28, 1993, less than eight weeks after his speech. He was 47 years old.
Every day, I strive to focus on three important things. And when I think about giving a speech, I can’t help but remember the first speech I ever gave while coaching at Rutgers University. As a young coach, I was inspired by the legendary Vince Lombardi and his emphasis on family, religion, and the Green Bay Packers. I tried to emulate his powerful presence and message, but encountered some comical mishaps along the way. Despite the challenges, I learned the importance of knowing where I come from and where I want to go in life.
I treasure my family and draw courage from their support. I urge everyone to find joy in life, to pursue their dreams with enthusiasm, and to make a difference in the world. I am passionate about raising awareness and funds for AIDS research, as it is a cause close to my heart. With the support of organizations like ESPN, I am determined to make a difference and bring attention to this important issue. We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Jimmy V Foundation for cancer research, with a powerful motto of “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.” Our mission is to support cancer research and find cures for this dreadful disease.
I am deeply grateful to ESPN for their support in making this foundation a reality. I am committed to working tirelessly for cancer research, with the hope of making breakthroughs and finding cures. My goal is to be back here next year to present the Arthur Ashe recipient award.
While cancer may take away my physical abilities, it cannot touch my mind, heart, or soul. These three things will endure forever. I urge you to join me in supporting cancer research, whether it’s through AIDS or cancer foundations, so that others may survive and thrive.
Thank you all for your support, and may God bless you.