Michelle Obama honors Special Olympics founder at ESPYs

Retirement agrees with her! Michelle Obama dons bondage-style heels and a sleek hairstyle to pay tribute to 'remarkable' Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver at the star-studded ESPN awards

The former First Lady presented the Arthur Ashe Courage award on Wednesday

Honor was dedicated to Eunice Kennedy Shriver for founding Special Olympics

'She knew when we gave others the greatest chance... we all win,' Michelle said

Shriver's son, Tim, who is Chairman of the Special Olympics accepted the honor

'Once a great First Lady, always a great First Lady,' he said to Obama onstage

Published: 23:05 EDT, 12 July 2017 | Updated: 08:05 EDT, 13 July 2017

Former First Lady Michelle Obama has hit the stage at ESPN's ESPY awards, celebrating Eunice Kennedy Shriver for her work in founding the Special Olympics.

The former First Lady donned some bondage style heels and showed off a sleek hairstyle as she took to the stage in Los Angeles to be greeted by retired NFL star - and Trump golf partner - Peyton Manning.

She received a huge round of applause from the athletes and other stars in attendance, so much so she had a wait a few extra moments before detailing why Shriver was the recipient of the network's Arthur Ashe Courage Award.

'I am here tonight to honor a remarkable woman, a woman who believed everyone has something to contribute, and everyone deserves the chance to push themselves and find out what they are made of and to compete and win,' Michelle told the audience.

'She knew when we gave others the greatest chance to fulfill their potential, we all win. So nearly 50 years ago, she created the Special Olympics, and over the course of her life she turned that visionary idea into a worldwide movement with competitions across the globe.'

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Former First Lady Michelle Obama has hit the stage at ESPN's ESPY awards, celebrating Eunice Kennedy Shriver for her work in founding the Special Olympics

Michelle received a huge round of applause as she walked onto the stage in Los Angeles on Wednesday night

The former First Lady steered clear of any political comments or discussion, however she ended her speech by talking about the need to make the world 'more inclusive, welcoming, and fair' for everyone – regardless of where they come from, who they are, or any other differences

Mrs Obama greets host Peyton Manning on stage during the event

Shriver then thanked Obama for 'working to level the playing field', and added: 'Once a great First Lady, always a great First Lady.'

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After a montage played celebrating the games, the former First Lady was joined on stage by some Olympians who competed in the events, before presenting the award to Eunice's son, Tim Shriver.

Shriver then thanked Obama for 'working to level the playing field', and added: 'Once a great First Lady, always a great First Lady.'

Shriver, who is now the Chairman of the Special Olympics, went on to celebrate his mother's amazing work, before pointing to the stars of his games as a way to 'fight the hate in our country right now'.

The former First Lady was on hand for the ESPN award ceremony to honor Shriver

After Michelle's introduction and a video honoring his mother, Tim Shriver accepted the award

Maria Shriver was pictured in the crowd as her brother accepted the award on their mother's behalf

Adonis Brown, 18, of Baltimore, smiles as Eunice Kennedy Shriver hangs a gold medal around his neck after he won the mile run at the Special Olympics in Los Angeles in August 1972

'These people standing behind me aren't a cause, they are powerful human beings with a powerful message,' he said, explaining the way to bring people together is to welcome and accept differences, not fight them.

'Special Olympics athletes are not a cause. They have the power. Follow them. Learn from them and when in doubt Choose to include.'

Prior to the award night in Los Angeles, the former First Lady said in a statement: 'Eunice Kennedy Shriver was a passionate champion for those with developmental challenges, empowering them to fulfill their highest potential.

Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver accepts the Arthur Ashe Courage Award on behalf of his late mother, Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, from former First Lady Michelle Obama

Former First Lady Michelle Obama greets host Peyton Manning onstage at The 2017 ESPYs

Michelle Obama is seen standing on stage while introducing the award in Los Angeles Wednesday night

Eunice Kennedy Shriver is pictured with her husband Robert Sargent Shriver Jr

'Her work to promote inclusion and acceptance transformed the lives of countless young athletes and inspired us all. I am incredibly honored to present this award to her son to celebrate her life’s work.'

Kennedy Shriver died at the age of 88 in 2009.

ESPN's Arthur Ashe Courage award is designed to honor someone who portrays exceptional courage and character, and is named after Ashe to recognize his amazing work off-the-course in human rights.

Ashe, a champion tennis player who won three Grand Slams, spoke out against apartheid in South Africa and worked to help eradicate AIDS - an illness he suffered from after contracting HIV during a blood transfusion.

John Cena, right, presents New Orleans Saints superfan Jarrius Robertson the Jimmy V perseverance award

Jarrius Robertson celebrated with his award onstage on Wednesday night, as his parents were next to him

Olympic gymnasts Aly Raisman (L) and Simone Biles attend the 25th ESPYS at the Microsoft Theater on July 12

Olivia Culpo (left) and Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn (right) are seen on the red carpet prior to the event

Jon Stewart presents Air Force Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro Jr. the Pat Tillman award for service

Stewart and Sgt. Israel Del Toro Jr were cheered throughout their speeches on Wednesday night

Simone Biles accepts the award for best female athlete at the ESPYs on Wednesday night in Los Angeles

A host of other stars were on hand throughout the night, including members the NBA champion Golden State Warriors, NFL star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Bryan Cranston, WWE wrestler John Cena, Snoop Dogg, and others.

Kevin Durant was presented an award during the night for his NBA Finals performance, while Russell Westbrook won best male athlete and Olympic gymnast Simone Biles earned best female athlete honors.

Jon Stewart also presented an award on the night, celebrating the Pat Tillman Award for Service to Air Force Master Sargent Israel Del Toro for his strength through adversity and continued service to his country.