Resolution
Whereas, Muhammad Ali, a legendary boxer and one of the most celebrated and beloved sports figures of all time, has gone to his eternal reward at the age of 74; and
Whereas, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
Whereas, Born Cassius Clay in Louisville, Kentucky in 1942, Muhammad Ali began boxing at the age of 12 after someone stole his new bicycle which was purchased for him by his father; and
Whereas, When the young Cassius Clay vowed to fight whomever stole his bike, a police officer, Joe Martin, got him interested in boxing and became his mentor; and
Whereas, Muhammad Ali became Golden Gloves Champion in 1959 and shortly after his high school graduation became a Gold Medalist at the 1960 Rome Olympics; and
Whereas, In 1964 Cassius Clay officially changed his name to Muhammad Ali after his conversion to the Muslim faith; and
Whereas, Known as "The Greatest," Muhammad Ali was the only three-time lineal heavyweight champion and won the title in 1964, 1974, and 1978; and
Whereas, Muhammad Ali's legendary career included iconic fights such as the "Thrilla in Manila" against rival Joe Frazier and "The Rumble in the Jungle" against George Foreman; and
Whereas, In 1984 Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and became an advocate for the cause and dedicated much of his time to philanthropy; and
Whereas, In 2005 Muhammad Ali was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom; and
Whereas, The talent, determination and accomplishment of Muhammad Ali serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, To his wife, Yolanda, and his nine children, Muhammad Ali imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore