ESPY Award

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia




The ESPY Award (short for Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Award) is an accolade presented by the American broadcast television network ESPN to recognize individual and team athletic achievement and other sports-related performance during the calendar year preceding a given annual ceremony. The first ESPYs were awarded in 1993.

History[edit | edit source]

The ESPY Awards were created by ESPN to celebrate the best in sports performance and to provide a platform for athletes to be recognized for their achievements. The inaugural ceremony took place in 1993, and since then, the event has become a staple in the sports community, often compared to the Academy Awards for its prestige and glamour.


The ESPY Awards feature a wide range of categories, including but not limited to:

  • Best Male Athlete
  • Best Female Athlete
  • Best Team
  • Best Breakthrough Athlete
  • Best Record-Breaking Performance
  • Best Championship Performance

In addition to these, there are also awards for specific sports, such as Best NBA Player, Best MLB Player, and Best NFL Player, among others.

Voting Process[edit | edit source]

The winners of the ESPY Awards are determined by a combination of fan voting and a panel of experts. Fans can vote online for their favorite athletes and moments, while the panel provides additional input to ensure a balanced and fair selection process.

Notable Moments[edit | edit source]

Over the years, the ESPY Awards have been known for memorable speeches and moments. One of the most famous is the speech given by Jim Valvano in 1993, where he delivered his inspirational "Don't give up, don't ever give up" message while battling cancer. This speech led to the creation of the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

Charitable Contributions[edit | edit source]

The ESPY Awards are not only about celebrating sports achievements but also about giving back. The event often raises funds for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, which was founded by ESPN and Jim Valvano.

Broadcast[edit | edit source]

The ESPY Awards are broadcast live on ESPN and have been held at various venues, including the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The event attracts a wide audience, including sports fans and celebrities from various fields.

See Also[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD