Daniel Igali to Take Part in Tribute to Muhammad Ali at SkyDome

September 30 2002

- World Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis, Canadian boxing legend George Chuvalo, and former heavyweight champions Evander Holyfield and Larry Holmes will be among the luminaries on hand as Coca-Cola and the Toronto Argonauts pay tribute to the incomparable Muhammad Ali with a spectacular pre-game and half-time ceremony at SkyDome on Sunday, October 20, 2002, Garth H. Drabinsky announced today. It will be Mr. Lewis' first public appearance since winning the World Heavyweight Championship last June
The brilliant NBA all-star and future Hall-of-Famer Hakeem Olajuwon; Toronto Maple Leafs leader and captain Mats Sundin; and the Canadian Olympic gold-medalist wrestler Daniel Igali are also among those who have confirmed that they will publicly participate in the pre-game and half-time ceremonies to salute Muhammad Ali and his contributions to sport and humanity. The half-time event will conclude with a very special presentation to Muhammad Ali.

Proceeds from this event will directly support Parkinson Society Canada and the highly promising research in Parkinson's Disease which is currently being conducted at The University of Toronto.
The day's program will also include a special performance by Juno-Award winner Tom Cochrane, whose father suffers from Parkinson's Disease. Cochrane will perform a new composition entitled "Sometimes I Feel like Ali," in tribute to his father. Proceeds from the song will support Parkinson's research. As well, the renowned Nathaniel Dett Chorale, will perform during the pre-game ceremony and will offer their inspiring renditions of the Canadian and American national anthems.
"It is a testament to Muhammad Ali's legendary stature that so many prominent figures will be on hand to celebrate this remarkable man's life, and raise awareness of Parkinson's disease," said Mr. Drabinsky.
It is a demonstration of great sportsmanlike conduct that TSN, who will broadcast the main event from SkyDome live at 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 20, and the half-time celebration in its entirety with no commercial interruption, will work together with CBC. Both networks will begin promoting the event prior to Muhammad Ali's appearance commencing Saturday October 12, during TSN's CFL coverage and on Thanksgiving Monday October 14, with CBC's CFL coverage.

As on-air hosts for the event, CTV's Rod Black and CBC's Alison Smith will, at all times throughout the day on October 20, encourage Canadians to make a tax deductible donation either by phone or online. All those making a pledge will receive commemorative merchandise corresponding to the level of their pledge. In addition, TSN's Michael Landsberg will provide colour commentary, conduct celebrity interviews and obtain fan reaction from inside SkyDome.

On Friday, October 18th at 9 o'clock p.m., Muhammad Ali - in Person for the Greatest Good will be featured prominently during TSN's Friday night CFL broadcast. Promotion will continue during CBC's Saturday afternoon CFL game. Following further promotion during TSN's Saturday night boxing coverage, the network will begin airing distinctive programming on Sunday morning, October 20, which will include segments of documentary footage on Muhammad Ali with glowing tributes from friends and admirers - international luminaries from the sports and entertainment worlds, celebrities and politicians.

TSN's broadcast will also highlight Parkinson's research and assist in educating the public about this progressive neurological disorder that affects nearly 100,000 Canadians.

Ticket prices for this game will include a $10 surcharge which will be part of overall contributions to Parkinson's research. Each ticket holder will receive a limited edition commemorative poster upon exiting the stadium on game day. Tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster at (416) 872-5000 or at http://www.ticketmaster.ca or at the SkyDome box office located at Gate 7.

The Toronto Argonauts would like to thank Christine McPhee for her assistance in coordinating Mr. Lewis' schedule.