The Muhammad Ali Center Presents “Champions Aren’t Made in Gyms” at Tulane University

LOUISVILLE, KY (September 29, 2008) – The Muhammad Ali Center held its Champions Aren’t Made in Gyms program for college athletes on September 28 which was hosted by the Tulane University Sports Law Program and Tulane Athletic Department in New Orleans, Louisiana. The inspirational program is designed to use the story of Muhammad Ali and how he has, more than any other professional athlete, transcended his sport, to motivate student athletes to think beyond their current views and inspire them to be champions in every aspect of their lives.

The event featured motivational messages from experienced and inspiring speaker Dr. Richard Lapchick who is a prominent leader in his respective field and dedicated to making an impact on the lives and futures of young adults. Endowed chair at the University of Central Florida (UCF), Lapchick is an internationally recognized expert on sports issues, scholar and author and he believes that sport can be an effective instrument for positive social change.

Approximately 400 students from Tulane University, Loyola University, and Dillard University attended the event. The student athletes learned that in their position as leaders on campus and beyond, they can become agents of change in how their fellow peers behave, treat and respect each other. Lapchick highlighted the lessons that can be learned from Muhammad Ali’s story – how he used his sport as a platform to achieve greatness outside of the ring. Learning the importance of social responsibility and meaningful community engagement can help them transcend their sport during and after their career.

“Using the example set by our founder, Muhammad Ali, our goal is to inspire collegiate athletes to think beyond their sport in their everyday lives as well as once their athletic career has ended,” says Greg Roberts, President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center. “This program enlightens young athletes about the role that social responsibility and meaningful community engagement plays in their lives today and in the future. It translates into, as Muhammad would say, being as great as you can be.”

This program, along with others, is made possible through a grant from Horseshoe Southern Indiana/Harrah’s Foundation that was awarded to the Muhammad Ali Center. Four programs will be held each year for the three-year span of the grant.

### Muhammad Ali Center is a cultural attraction and international educational center that is inspired by the ideals of Muhammad Ali. Featuring a non-traditional visitor experience, educational and public programming, and global initiatives, the Ali Center reaches beyond its physical walls to fulfill its mission: To preserve and share the legacy and ideals of Muhammad Ali, to promote respect, hope and understanding, and to inspire adults and children everywhere to be as great as they can be.