Robin Roberts to get ESPN Courage Award

Robin Roberts may say good morning to America on ABC these days, but the "GMA" anchor began her career as a sports reporter and ultimately became one of the first women to anchor ESPN's "SportsCenter."

The sports television network announced Tuesday it will honor Roberts with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2013 ESPYS.

The Courage Award is given to "individuals whose contributions transcend sports."

Roberts stands out not only as a trailblazing lady sportscaster, but also for public battle with breast cancer in 2007 and struggles with a rare bone marrow disease called myelodysplastic syndrome in 2012.

"Robin brings an amazing amount of energy, compassion and determination to everything she does," said ESPN president John Skipper, in announcing the award. "Those qualities made her an incredible asset during her time here at ESPN, and they have served her well as she battled the terrible health challenges that she's had to face.

"Robin's accomplishments in so many areas -- as an athlete, a broadcaster, a cancer survivor and more -- demonstrate her ability to shine regardless of adversity and we could not be more proud to honor her as the recipient of this year's Arthur Ashe Courage Award."

Roberts joins Nelson Mandela and women's basketball coach Pat Summitt among Courage Award recipients.

The ESPYS air live July 17.