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Muhammad Ali honored for service to developing nations May 4, 2004, 10:18 PM WASHINGTON (AP) -- Muhammad Ali was honored Tuesday for his lifelong work to improve living standards in the developing world by a national organization that promotes Arab-American interests. The Arab American Institute highlighted the famous boxer's work in delivering money, medical relief and food to African and Asian nations. It also praised Ali's efforts to stage his fights in developing countries such as Zaire and Malaysia. Ali, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, visited Afghanistan in November 2002 as a United Nations "Messenger of Peace." A museum celebrating his life will open next year in Louisville, Ky., his hometown. Ali received a Kahlil Gibran Spirit of Humanity award from the institute. It also honored MPI Media Group, which produced such documentaries as "Inside the West Bank" and "Tragedy in the Holy Land: The Second Uprising." Other honorees included the American Near East Refugee Aid, which provides assistance to displaced Palestinians, and Rock the Vote, a voter registration initiative. The institute created the awards six years ago in memory of Gibran, an early 20th century Lebanese American poet. Queen Noor of Jordan presented Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., with the first Najeeb Hallaby Award for public service, an honor commemorating the former Federal Aviation Administration director and philanthropist. ------ On the Net: Arab American Institute: http://www.aaiusa.org/ SOURCE: Detroit Free Press, MI - May 4, 2004 http://www.freep.com/news/statewire/sw97281_20040504.htm * * * Queen Noor meets the King of Boxing at the gala event in Washington. Both she and Muhammad are well-known for their commitment to humanitarian causes Photo: © PA The former heavyweight champ was on characteristically charming form at the event, during which he was presented with a Spirit Of Humanity award Photo: © PA Click on photos to enlarge 5 MAY 2004 Sporting legend Muhammad Ali has been honoured for his efforts to help people in the world's poorest countries. Queen Noor of Jordan was among those who came along to congratulate the former heavyweight champion, after he was presented with the Kahil Gibran Spirit Of Humanity Award at the Arab American Institute. The 62-year-old, who is well-known for his ability to charm a crowd, performed magic tricks and told the story of his conversion to the Islamic faith. Muhammad was born Cassius Clay, but changed his name after becoming a Muslim. "People in Africa and all over the world started to recognise me as their brother because of my name," he explained. Since he retired from boxing, the pugilist, who suffers from Parkinson's Syndrome, has dedicated himself to bringing medical relief, food and money to impoverished communities across Africa and Asia. In 2002 he travelled to war-torn Afghanistan as a United Nations Messenger Of Peace. The annual Kahil Gibran Awards celebrate the people and organisations who have most contributed to humanitarian causes and understanding between Arab and Western cultures. They were established in memory of the renowned Lebanese-American poet of the same name. SOURCE: HelloMagazine.com, UK http://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/2004/05/05/muhammadali/ * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn