Muhammad Ali and David Beckham join forces to present sporting award

Описание: (24 Jul 2012) STORYLINE:
English football star David Beckham on Tuesday joined boxing legend Muhammad Ali at an awards ceremony in London to present the inaugural Generation Ali Beyond Sport Award.
The two iconic sportsmen presented 19-year-old Afghan refugee Matiullah Haidar with the award, which celebrates young people who have inspired their peers through sport.
Beckham, a former England football captain, described Ali as "an amazing man."
"He stood for so many amazing things throughout his life. Whether it was what he did in the ring or outside of the ring," Beckham said, at the Beyond Sport conference.
Beckham visited the Olympic stadium in Stratford, East London on Tuesday and said it was "a proud moment."
He said he sensed Olympic fever gripping London with just three days until the opening ceremony.
"You can feel the kind of atmosphere building and the excitement building," he said.
The 37-year-old Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder had hoped to play for Britain's football team at the games, but he was not included in the squad by coach Stuart Pearce.
There will, however, be a spot for him Friday at Olympic Stadium.
"It is some kind of role in the opening ceremony, which I am honoured to be involved in because obviously I was involved in the start process with this seven years ago," Beckham told The Associated Press.
"And for Seb (Sebastian Coe) to have kept me involved, I'm very proud of that."
But in keeping with the national "save the surprise" campaign, Beckham wouldn't divulge any further details about his role.
One obvious role would be to serve as one of the final torchbearers to help complete the 8,000-mile relay around Britain in the stadium, although it is expected a former Olympian will be given the honour of lighting the cauldron.
There is speculation Muhammad Ali could also play a role in the opening ceremony.


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