Kyiv mayor receives Arthur Ashe Courage Award

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has received a prestigious Arthur Ashe Courage Award that is presented every year as part of the ESPY Awards.

That's according to Kyiv City State Administration, Ukrinform reports.

The award ceremony took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. American actor Dwayne Johnson accepted the award on Klitschko's behalf. The mayor is now in Kyiv and could not attend the ceremony.

"It is a great honor for me to receive this award. I am convinced that this is a recognition of the courage and inviolability of the Ukrainian people, who have been bravely resisting the Russian aggressor. This is an award for everyone who defends the independence and freedom of Ukraine," Klitschko said.

At the same time, he thanked all partners and friends who help and support Ukraine.

During the event, the organizers showed a short documentary about Klitschko.

Since 1993, the Arthur Ashe Courage Award has been presented annually by the American sports channel ESPN as part of the ESPY Awards, a prestigious award ceremony for athletes. It is presented to athletes who have made significant achievements outside of their sports career. Muhammad Ali received the award in 1997, football player Patrick Tillman in 2003, and Nelson Mandela in 2009.