The Kentucky Society of Washington announced today that Muhammad Ali will be honored at their inaugural Bluegrass Ball, to be held on the night of Martin Luther King Jr Day, Monday, January 19, 2009 at the Marriott Wardman Hotel, 2660 Woodley Road, N.W. in Washington, D.C. Mr. Ali’s 67th birthday is January 17, 2009. National celebrities from Kentucky and high ranking politicians are expected to attend.
A private VIP birthday reception sponsored by Muhammad Ali Center Board Chair Jonathan Blum and G.E. Appliances will be held immediately preceding the Kentucky Bluegrass Ball. Muhammad and Lonnie Ali will be in attendance at the event hosted by the Muhammad Ali Center Board of Directors, U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, U.S. Senator Jim Bunning, Governor Steve Beshear, and U.S. Representative John Yarmuth.
"We are pleased to collaborate with the Kentucky Society in celebration of this historic moment in our country’s history and for such a joyous occasion for one of the world’s most beloved humanitarians and sports icons, " says Greg Roberts, President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center.
"It is a tremendous honor that Kentucky’s own, "The Champ," Muhammad Ali, will be joining us as celebrate a new president and the promise of change for our country," Governor Steven Beshear. "Kentucky has no finer ambassador and symbol than Muhammad Ali and we all look forward to being with him."
Brandon W. Kirkham, President of the Kentucky Society of Washington said, "The Kentucky Society of Washington is honored that Muhammad and Lonnie Ali are joining us at the Bluegrass Ball and appreciative of the partnership we have forged with The Muhammad Ali Center. It was a thrill to meet with Muhammad and Lonnie in Louisville and working with all the good people at the Ali Center has been a real pleasure. The Muhammad Ali Center encourages everyone to seek the greatness within themselves - the Kentucky Society is looking forward to honoring "The Greatest of All Time" at the Bluegrass Ball.
From Anne Marie Kelley, Chair of the Bluegrass Ball: "The goal of the Bluegrass Ball is to celebrate all the wonderful things that make Kentucky great. Kentucky’s greatest asset is its citizens. The Kentucky Society is very proud to be able to honor one of its most famous citizens and a true American icon for his birthday on the eve of this historic inauguration."
