WASHINGTON -- Saying they had touched him in a powerful and personal way, President Barack Obama awarded the nations highest civilian honor to 21 groundbreaking actors, musicians, athletes and others during a ceremony on Tuesday at the White House.These are folks who have helped make me who I am, Obama said as the celebration concluded in the White House East Room.The awards had a major sports component, with Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Vin Scully among those recognized with the highest American civilian honor.That led to plenty of sports moments at Tuesdays ceremony, including Obama noting that MJ is more than just a logo. Hes more than just an internet meme. Fittingly, Jordan was crying as Obama made the comment.There is a reason you call somebody the Michael Jordan of, Obama said. The Michael Jordan of neurosurgery or the Michael Jordan of rabbis or the Michael Jordan of outrigger canoeing. Everyone knows what youre talking about.The president also had an eloquent description of Scully, saying, You hear the crack of the bat. Youve got the crowd singing in the seventh-inning stretch. And youve got the voice of Vin Scully.Among those also getting the Presidential Medal of Freedom were actors Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Robert Redford and Cicely Tyson.Bruce Springsteen and Diana Ross were recognized for their music.Other honorees included philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates and comedian Ellen DeGeneres.Obama said the people receiving the medal helped push America forward and inspired millions around the world.?The White House said the president and his staff spend time considering a variety of candidates for the award, but ultimately, its the presidents decision.The award recognizes especially meritorious contributions to the national interests of the United States, to its culture or to other significant endeavors.Posthumous honors went to Native American advocate Elouise Cobell and Rear Adm. Grace Hopper.Others receiving the award included: Richard Garwin, an inventor and polymath physicist who made pioneering contributions to the nations defense; Frank Gehry, one of the worlds leading architects; Margaret H. Hamilton, a mathematician and computer scientist; Maya Lin, the designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; Lorne Michaels, producer of Saturday Night Live; Newton Minow, a former Federal Communications Commission chairman devoted to numerous public and charitable causes; and Eduardo Padron, president of Miami Dade College.Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. Air Max 270 React Reverse Logo .com) - The women will also have a new champion at the Australian Open. Air Max 270 React Womens . - Connor McDavid scored 53 seconds into overtime as the Erie Otters came from behind to defeat the visiting Guelph Storm 4-3 on Saturday in Ontario Hockey League action. http://www.cheapairmax270react.com/air-max-270-flyknit-fake/air-max-270-flyknit-triple-white.html . -- Teemu Selanne scored the first goal of his 22nd NHL season, and the Anaheim Ducks extended the best start in franchise history with their fifth straight victory, 3-2 over the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night. Air Max 270 React Red . The mixed zone is not a place to make friends. Air Max 270 Purple . Ferrer, trying to win his fourth title on Mexican soil, will next play South Africas Kevin Anderson, who eliminated American Sam Querrey,7-6 (2), 6-4. Also Wednesday, Gilles Simon (6) of France beat Donald Young of the United States 6-4, 6-3, Ukraines Alexandr Dolgopolov downed Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-3, 6-4 and Croatias Ivo Karlovic defeated Dudi Sela of Israel 7-6 (4), 6-2.What a week its been on Sky Sports Now - as Thierry Henry joined us in the studio to go through all the big talking points. So find out why hes urging Arsenal fans to come out and support their team. And what he thinks the club needs next season to challenge for the title. Sky Sports Now - 22nd April Well also get his thoughts on the title race and hear from one of Harry Kanes former team-mates - Charlie Daniels - on what he was like when on loan at Leyton Orient! Plus Paul Merson predicts whats next for Aston Villa and Charlie Nicholas has strong words on Celtic and Ronny Deila. Listen now! Click here to listen to the latest Sky Sports Now Podcast from Sky Sports News HQ Plenty to catch then and join us next week for another busy week on Sky Sports Now as a variety of guests join us in the studio every week day from 10am.dddddddddddd. Also See: Transfer Centre Play Fantasy Football Get a day pass Live on Sky ' ' '