Boxing great Muhammad Ali has made a rare public appearance in his native Kentucky during a presentation to announce a philanthropic effort.
Ali sat onstage Tuesday at the Lexington Convention Center as he received a standing ovation from hundreds of people attending Alltech’s International Health and Nutrition Symposium.
The purpose of his appearance was to announce a new charitable fundraising initiative between Alltech and the Muhammad Ali Center.
Alltech president Pearse Lyons pledged the effort would raise at least $500,000 before the Alltech-sponsored World Equestrian Games next year in Lexington.
Ali’s wife, Lonnie, said his last major public appearance in Kentucky was at the Ryder Cup in Louisville eight months ago. Parkinson’s disease has limited his activity.
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