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Cape Town - SASCOC has joined the global community in expressing its condolences to the family of Muhammad Ali, one of the world’s greatest sportsmen, humanitarian and human rights champion.
“From the moment that he won a boxing gold medal at the Rome Olympics in 1960, Muhammad Ali was destined to become a global icon. He embodied the spirit of the Olympic Games which was symbolised in the iconic images of “The Greatest” lighting the Olympic torch during the opening ceremony of the centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996”, said the president of SASCOC, Gideon Sam.
“We, as the sports movement, celebrate the life and times of Muhammad Ali who inspired millions of people, young, old, men, women and children to struggle for that dream, whether in sports or in life, irrespective how insurmountable the challenges must seem”, added Sam.
“As a champion in the boxing ring and as an advocate for human rights on the global stage, Muhammad Ali gave hope and dignity to millions who were inspired by his unwavering commitment to equality, justice, and respect for all people,” said SASCOC Chief Executive Tubby Reddy.
“During apartheid, Ali’s voice resonated throughout all corners of our country. His every victory and every challenge to racial superiority, was a blow to those who wanted the status quo to remain. Ali was a star that illuminated the dark days of struggle against apartheid, and was an inspiration to our first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela, who he met in 1993”, added Reddy.
“His spirit and memory will be an inspiration to millions for generations to come and we at SASCOC raise our hands to salute a truly global hero who shook the world of sport and whose voice reverberated on the world stage”, commented Reddy.
