The 2009 ESPYs

The ESPYs gather top celebrities from sports and entertainment to commemorate the past year in sports, by recognizing major sports achievements, reliving unforgettable moments and saluting the leading performers and performances. Fans determine the winners in all 30-plus categories which include both sport-specific awards such as "Best Major League Baseball Player" and "Best Women-s Tennis Player" and "Best in Sport" awards, categories that pit nominees from different sports against each other, such as "Best Team" or "Best Female Athlete." In addition, the Arthur Ashe Courage Award is presented annually to individuals whose contributions transcend sports. The ESPYs are committed to the advancement of The V Foundation for Cancer Research, established by ESPN with the late Jim Valvano and announced at the inaugural ESPY Awards in 1993.