Muhammad Ali honored at World Economic Forum

[tamra]

Ali Honored at World Economic Forum

Sun Jan 29, 4:41 PM ET

DAVOS, Switzerland - Muhammad Ali was honored at the
World Economic Forum for his efforts to promote dialogue and understanding between the Muslim and Western worlds.

Accompanied by his wife, Yolanda, Ali received the first-ever prize from the Council of 100 Leaders, a group formed at the forum's annual meeting two years ago to promote understanding between the West and Muslims.

Britain's former archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey of Clifton, who is on the Council of 100, recalled Ali's boxing career and his public acknowledgment of having Parkinson's Disease.

"Who among us was not stirred and moved ... as he lit the flame at the start of the 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta?" he asked.

And as he repeated the boxer's famous mantra — "I float like a butterfly and sting like a bee!" — Ali lashed out with a quick left jab.

His wife, Yolanda, gave a speech to accept the award as Ali sat back down Saturday.

"Even though his voice is silent," she said, choking back tears, "dialogue is not always verbal. Sometimes it's about gestures, interaction."

___

On the Net:

http://www.weforum.org/c100 - World Economic Forum'

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060129/ap_ ... _davos_ali - full story with photo'

[Appaloosa]

tamra,
good picture .....great story.....Ali was and always will be the best in boxing...;

[tis2flyyy]

Appaloosa,

Ditto,
I am absolutely one of Muhammad's fans! This is a REAL MAN and I am extremely happy for him to receive this honor. Although many have followed in the arena of boxing, there will NEVER be another Muhammad Ali. He is a ONE of a kind Original!

I remember back in the early 90's, he opened a restaurant in Silver Springs, Maryland called Muhammad Ali's Rotissiere Chicken. All the food was prepared halal style (islamic law of the proper prep of items that enter the body). He and his wife and children were there for the grand opening. I met this great man and he actually said to me "I have seen you before at the Massjid (temple). That is good. Keep praying."

It was not much, but I will remember that moment for the rest of my life. Mr. Ali is a wonderful human being and a very GREAT person.

Thanks for posting this and giving props.
T

[Appaloosa]

tis2flyyy,
thanks i remember when they used to say the undisputed heavyweight champion an it was him but nowadays they say champion an there are several belts now an no undisputed champion...;thats sad

[tamra]

Appaloosa,

yes this is a big accomplishment and honor esp. for a boxer.

you rarely hear much about them after their boxing days are over. sad that Joe Louis died practically pennyless. if not for Max Schmelling, would have had the bare minimal burial.

only other boxer you continually hear about is George Foreman, but for his products. not sure what Frazier is doing. and Holyfield is just hanging out.

and let's not even bring up Tyson. hopefully, he'll get it together, because his original accomplishments were the ones to beat.

just glad Ali was able to make the honor since his daughter recently claimed his health has not been well.

and I do hope everyone takes the time to honor and acknowlege Ali now while he's here with us. being stripped of his titles for refusing to be drafted into war was a significant statement. he wasn't just stripped, he was pretty much ostracized from the U.S. for a long time. he overcame and rose above, STILL.

leave a message at his website, something
http://ali.com - ali.com', just let him know he's still appreciated for breaking barriers.