Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali Gets Honorary Day In Connecticut

It has been more than 40 years since Muhammad Ali burst upon the scene as a gold-medal winner at the 1960 Olympics in Rome. To this day, Ali remains a magical figure, known and adored throughout the world. As a boxer, Ali had unprecedented speed and grace, while his charm and wit changed forever what the public thought a boxer should be.

On January 17, 2010, Muhammad Ali will celebrate his 68th birthday. In recognition of this milestone and his prolific career in and out of the boxing ring, local author Felix Manuel Rodriguez has partnered with the Waterbury Police Activity League and “Aliologists” (Muhammad Ali experts) from across the state to honor and celebrate Muhammad Ali’s 68th birthday.

In association with Muhammad Ali’s countless contributions and this event, Governor M. Jodi Rell will declare January 17, 2010 as Muhammad Ali Day in Connecticut. “Muhammad Ali’s dream to share his inspiration, hope, and peace throughout the world, appeals to the heart, spirit, and imagination of many adults and children right here in Connecticut,” Governor Rell said.

This event is an effort to advance Ali’s core guiding principles, which is to promote respect, hope, and understanding and to inspire adults and children everywhere to be as great as they can be.

“Muhammad Ali inspired me to be a better person, to be more humble and caring. He has been a huge inspiration not only to me, but to millions of people across the world,” said Rodriguez, author of Dad, Me, and Muhammad Ali.

The Waterbury Police Activity League (P.A.L.) will host this celebration at the William J. Sullivan Learning Center located at 58 Griggs Street in Waterbury on Sunday, January 17, 2010 from 2 to 4pm. There will be a brief biographical video highlighting Ali’s career, guest speakers, and meet and greet with local authors who will conduct a book reading and signing. It will be a free event and open to the general public. The first 100 families will receive a copy of Dad, Me, and Muhammad Ali compliments of State Farm Agent Mark Shumilla of Waterbury, CT.

Scheduled to appear: “Bad” Chad Dawson, 1960 U.S. Olympic Gold Medal Champion Dr. Wilbert “Skeeter” McClure, “Ice Man” John Scully, Author Rick Kaletsky and many more.

Waterbury P.A.L. is a not for profit organization which promotes partnerships between youth, law enforcement, and the community through educational, athletic, and recreational programs designed to encourage team building and foster positive relationships. To learn more visit www.waterburypal.org

Felix Manuel Rodriguez is the author of Dad, Me, and Muhammad Ali. The Hartford Business Journal, the region’s largest business publication, named Felix one of its 2009 “40 Under Forty” for his contributions to the community and state. He is a proud father of two. To learn more about Felix, visit www.dadmeandali.com.