National Children’s Advocacy Center Applauds ESPY Award for Female Athletes – National Children’s Advocacy Center Skip to content

Huntsville, Alabama – The National Children’s Advocacy Center applauds the ESPYs for presenting the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage to the survivors of sexual abuse by a former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University team doctor. Wednesday night, more than 140 survivors of Nassar’s abuse united on stage to receive the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage.

Larry Nassar was given unlimited access to young female athletes for more than two decades before two former gymnasts went public with accusations of sexual abuse in 2016. Since the first outcry, more than 250 women and girls have accused Nassar of sexual abuse. Nassar has since pleaded guilty to multiple charges and is serving time in a federal prison.

“While we applaud the sporting world for recognizing the courage and resolve of these athletes, we need to do more and do better,” said Chris Newlin, Executive Director of the National Children’s Advocacy Center. “It is time to demand action and justice in ALL cases of child abuse. As a community and a nation we must support those who have experienced abuse and work together to prevent the next Larry Nassar from harming our children.”

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