Muhammad Ali To Receive Liberty Medal On Thursday

Posted: Updated:

Boxing great Muhammad Ali, with his wife, Lonnie, right, waves to friends attending a celebration for his 70th birthday at the Muhammad Ali Center on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012, in Louisville, Ky. Ali turns 70 Tuesday. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Retired boxing champion Muhammad Ali is coming to Philadelphia to receive the Liberty Medal.

The honor is given annually to an individual who displays courage and conviction while striving to secure liberty for people worldwide. It comes with a $100,000 cash prize.

Ali will be awarded the medal on Thursday at a ceremony at the National Constitution Center.

Ceremony officials said the 70-year-old Ali has built a legacy as a "tireless humanitarian and philanthropist." They call him a fighter for religious and civil rights, and an ambassador for peace and justice worldwide.

Previous medal recipients include rock singer and human rights activist Bono, former South African President Nelson Mandela and former President Jimmy Carter. Six winners later received the Nobel Peace Prize.

Sports HeadlinesSports HeadlinesMore>>
Healthy Locker Trying To Take Control Of Titans
Healthy Locker Trying To Take Control Of Titans
Updated: Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:24 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:24:49 GMT
Jake Locker believes the best way to be a leader is by doing, not talking. It's why the Titans quarterback worked so hard on his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery to be ready for the team's offseason program.more>>
Jake Locker believes the best way to be a leader is by doing, not talking. It's why the Titans quarterback worked so hard on his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery to be ready for the team's offseason program.more>>
Spurs Can't Ease Up Despite 2-0 Lead On Grizzlies
Spurs Can't Ease Up Despite 2-0 Lead On Grizzlies
Updated: Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:39 AM EDT2013-05-22 10:39:01 GMT
The Spurs bounced back after squandering a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter to beat the Grizzlies 93-89 on Tuesday night.more>>
Tony Parker had 15 points and a career playoff-high 18 assists, Tim Duncan scored San Antonio's first six points of overtime and the Spurs bounced back after squandering a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter to beat the Grizzlies 93-89 on Tuesday night.more>>
Predators Fire Associate Coach Peter Horachek
Predators Fire Associate Coach Peter Horachek
Updated: Tuesday, May 21 2013 4:31 PM EDT2013-05-21 20:31:24 GMT
The Nashville Predators have fired associate coach Peter Horachek after nine seasons with the franchise.more>>
The Nashville Predators have fired associate coach Peter Horachek after nine seasons with the franchise.more>>
Vanderbilt, LSU Headline Expanded SEC Tournament
Vanderbilt, LSU Headline Expanded SEC Tournament
Updated: Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:31 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:31:36 GMT
Vanderbilt and LSU are the favorites to win this week's Southeastern Conference tournament after mowing through regular-season play with uncommon ease.more>>
Vanderbilt and LSU are the favorites to win this week's Southeastern Conference tournament after mowing through regular-season play with uncommon ease.more>>
Preds Sign Van Guilder To 2-Year, Two-Way Deal
Preds Sign Van Guilder To 2-Year, Two-Way Deal
Updated: Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:30 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:30:11 GMT
The Nashville Predators have signed forward Mark Van Guilder to a 2-year, two-way contract.more>>
The Nashville Predators have signed forward Mark Van Guilder to a 2-year, two-way contract.more>>

Muhammad Ali To Receive Liberty Medal On Thursday - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports

Muhammad Ali To Receive Liberty Medal On Thursday

Sports HeadlinesSports HeadlinesMore>>