Tony Hawk will be the first recipient of the Action Sports Achievement Awards at the inaugural ESPN Action Sports and Music Awards, to be held Saturday, April 7 at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, Calif., it was announced today by Ron Semiao, ESPN vice president, programming and managing director, Global X.

"Tony's achievements within the sport of skateboarding have been well documented over the years; however, Tony Hawk will be receiving this award not just for raising the awareness and respect of skateboarding, but for the attention and legitimacy he has brought to the action sports genre," said Ian Votteri, assistant director of marketing and communications, ESPN Action Sports and Music Awards.

Tony's achievements in skateboarding and action sports over the last two decades are unparalleled. After turning professional at the age of 14, Hawk was ranked first overall in the National Skateboard Association Series from 1983-1993. He has captured seven X Games gold medals and invented more than 80 tricks, including the first completed 900. Hawk is the founder and owner of Birdhouse Skateboards and proud husband and father of two, soon to be three.

"It is an honor to be chosen for the Action Sports Achievement Award in one of the first awards presentation of this kind," said Hawk. "Thanks to ESPN for recognizing sports like skateboarding and giving us a legitimate venue to show our talents. There is no doubt that this will be an exciting evening - finally, a televised celebration of modern athletes!"

The ESPN Action Sports & Music Awards, fueled by Mountain Dew, will take place April 7, 2001, and the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, with the original telecast on Tuesday, April 10, 2001 on ESPN at 9:00pm EST. Other awards to be presented include the Action Sports Artist Contribution Award and the Action Sports Feat of the Year Award. Remember to cast your votes right here on EXPN.com for your favorite athlete.

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