LOS ANGELES (AP) – Michelle Obama returned to the spotlight as a presenter at The ESPYS, drawing the loudest ovation at the awards show honoring the past year’s best athletes and moments in sports.
The former first lady made a rare public appearance since leaving the White House in January. She presented the Arthur Ashe Courage Award posthumously to Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics. Shriver’s son, Tim, accepted on Wednesday night in Los Angeles.
“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.”
Shriver accepted the silver trophy from Obama.
“Once a great first lady, still a great first lady,” he said as the crowd roared.