LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Muhammad Ali was honored by an educational foundation in his hometown of Louisville this weekend.
The boxing legend's wife, Lonnie, accepted the Lincoln Foundation's Centennial Spirit of Excellence Award for her husband during its Evening of Jazz fundraiser Saturday night at Churchill Downs, the Louisville Courier-Journal reported.
She told the crowd of 475 that Ali, stricken with Parkinson's disease, was too tired to attend.
The foundation was celebrating a century of helping educate gifted but disadvantaged students. The award is given to people who exemplify its commitment to education, leadership and community service.
"I was born and raised in Louisville, just like Muhammad, and I am so impressed with this organization helping children achieve the greatness within," Lonnie Ali said.
Muhammad Ali, born in Louisville as Cassius Marcellus Clay, won an Olympic gold medal and the world heavyweight championship three times.
Lonnie Ali co-founded the Muhammad Ali Center, which honors her husband's legacy, and was named to the President's Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues.
