The 2015 ESPY Awards, ESPN's crossover award show that mixes Hollywood and professional sports, did not disappointment Wednesday night with memorable moments.

The highly anticipated and highly criticized Arthur Ashe award presentation to Caitlyn Jenner stole the show but not because of its controversy. Rather, it was Jenner's powerful acceptance speech that received two standing ovations Wednesday night, reports USA Today.

The 1976 Olympic decathlon champion, 65, crossed the stage in a beautiful white Versace gown to receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.

"If there's one thing I do know, it is the power of the spotlight. Sometimes it gets overwhelming," Jenner said. "But with attention comes responsibility, as a group, as athletes, how you conduct your lives, what you say and what you do is absorbed by millions of people, especially young people."

World Cup-winning U.S. women's soccer star Abby Wambach introduced Jenner as the Kardashian and Jenner clan looked on from the audience. Wambach shared the dire statistics of bullying, assault and suicide that transgender people suffer at a much higher rate than the general public.

Jenner continued Wambach's sentiments by saying transgender people deserve respect. Respect results in "a more compassionate community, a more empathetic society and a better world for all of us."

The reality TV star tearfully accepted the award for courage, saying, "I always thought that I got my courage and my determination from my dad, who landed on Omaha Beach and fought all the way through World War II, but you know, I'm realizing now mom, I think I got all of those qualities from you."

Jenner thanked Diane Sawyer along with transgender celebrities Laverne Cox and Chaz Bono. She also endorsed transgender military personnel.

There were more examples of courage and perseverance at the 2015 ESPY Awards.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still accepted an award for perseverance given to his cancer-fighting daughter Leah Still.

"We had two options," Still said. "We could have lost faith and just let this battle with cancer get the best of us, or I could give my daughter's battle with cancer a purpose, and use my platform to try to raise as much awareness as possible."

Leah continues to receive daily radiation treatments.

Lauren Hill's parents accepted the "Best Moment" ESPY Award on their late daughter's behalf. The teenager, who had an inoperable brain tumor, made headlines when she continued to play for Ohio's Mount Saint Joseph women's basketball team despite her failing health. She scored the first and last baskets in a game against Hiram College. She died five months later at the age of 19.