Aly Raisman To Receive Arthur Ashe Courage Award At ESPYS

The gymnasts who spoke out about the sexual abuse committed by Larry Nassar will be this year's recipients of the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the ESPYS.

The women, including Needham's own Aly Raisman, spoke extensively about the abuse inflicted by Larry Nasser, the disgraced doctor who was once the USA Gymnastics and Michigan State team doctor.

“We are honored to recognize the courage of these women at The 2018 ESPYS, to acknowledge the power of their voices, and to shine a very well-deserved spotlight on what speaking up, fighting back, and demanding accountability can accomplish,” Alison Overholt, Vice President and Editor in Chief, ESPN The Magazine, espnW, and The ESPYS said in a release. “They have shown us all what it truly means to speak truth to power, and through their bravery, they are making change for future generations. By honoring this group who spoke out, we aim to honor all of those who are survivors of abuse.”

Raisman was among the more than 250 women who gave victim impact statements prior to Nassar's sentencing for three counts of engaging in sexual misconduct with a person under the age of 16. He was sentenced to 40 to 125 years in prison.

The Arthur Ashe Award for Courage is awarded to those who find ways through sports to make a difference far beyond the field of play and impact the world in indelible ways.

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