Date:15/07/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/07/15/stories/2004071502341700.htm

Sport - World View

Weah to get Arthur Ashe Courage award

LOS ANGELES: George Weah, best known for his achievements on the soccer field, will receive the Arthur Ashe Courage award at the ESPY Awards for his humanitarian efforts in his war-ravaged homeland of Liberia and other African countries. The Ashe award is traditionally given to an athlete whose contributions transcend sports.

``I think the reason I won the award is being there for people looking for hope,'' Weah said. ``I'm very honoured. Arthur Ashe said he would never give up. I think a lot of young people should never give up. I've tried to be the voice of the voiceless.''

Ashe, a former tennis star, died in 1993 of AIDS.

— AP