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NEW YORK, April 23 -- The 18th Annual Sports Emmy Awards were presented tonight at the Marriott Marquis Hotel by The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for outstanding achievement in sports broadcasting during the 1996 calendar year.

The star studded event was attended by leading sports broadcasters, personalities, and prominent figures from the sports world, as well as sports broadcasting executives.

A highlight of the black-tie dinner and ceremony was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award for Sports to famed sportscaster and football legend Frank Gifford. 

"Frank Gifford is one of sports television's most unique personalities as well as being one of the all-time professional football greats," said Academy President John Cannon, "The Lifetime Achievement Award for Sports is a crowning achievement in Frank Gifford's superb television career."

Mr. Gifford was introduced by ABC commentator Dan Dierdorf and the Award was presented to him by NATAS Chairman Charles F. Dolan. Gifford's citation reads: "For continuous and distinguished contributions to sports broadcasting over many years. The viewing public has been the enriched beneficiary of the insight and warmth characterizing his work. His excellence as a premier broadcaster is a superb heritage for the profession itself."

Previous recipients of the Award were: Jim McKay (1989), Lindsey Nelson (1990), Curt Gowdy (1991), Chris Schenkel (1992), Pat Summerall (1993), Howard Cosell (1994) and Vin Scully (1995). 

The Emmys were presented by the following leading celebrities and executives in sports and broadcasting: Bob Dandridge, former NBA great; Darryl Dawkins, former NBA great; Dan Dierdorf, ABC commentator and NFL Hall of Famer; Clark Gillies, former New York Islander great; Dan Jansen, Olympic Gold Medalist Speedskater; Roy Jones, Jr., former World Light Heavyweight Champion; Jim Kelly, former Buffalo Bills Quarterback; Joe Namath, NFL Hall of 

Famer and former New York Jets Quarterback; Lynette Woodard, player for the Cleveland Rockers of the Women's NBA.

The Sports Emmy Award recipients were judged by Blue Ribbon Panels of peers from more than 600 entries in 27 categories and areas.