 Mayor Bloomberg introduces Muhammad Ali at a photo call |
Boxing legend Muhammad Ali arrived in Singapore on Tuesday as part of the New York delegation hoping to win the vote to host the 2012 Olympics on Wednesday. Ali, an Olympic champion at the 1960 Rome Games, was given a standing ovation at a brief photo-call.
The frail-looking 63-year-old, who has Parkinson's disease, did not speak but was described by New York mayor Michael Bloomberg as the bid's "secret weapon".
Bloomberg added: "He is a true hero to all of us."
New York, whose bid has had to overcome problems with plans for an Olympic stadium, is up against London, Madrid, Moscow and Paris in the race to stage the 2012 Games.
Former heavyweight champion Ali enjoyed some of his finest boxing moments in New York and during the Olympic Games.
He also lit the Olympic flame at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
"The New York City Olympic bid is so thrilled to have the support of Muhammad Ali," said Bloomberg.
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The winning moment
