'I Am Ali' Festival in Louisville, Kentucky

Maggi Smit • 3 January 2018

The celebration of Ali’s legacy will include local arts and cultural groups, performances and exhibits – along with two premier girls’ basketball tournament events that will bring 10,000 young female athletes to Louisville.


The inspiration for the event was the quickly-arranged “I Am Ali” celebration that was held at the Kentucky Center in June 2016 during the week of Ali’s death and memorial, attracting 15,000 young people.


Many of the events will take place at the Muhammad Ali Center, the $80 million museum and international cultural center located in Ali’s hometown that has honored his life and legacy for more than a decade. The Kentucky Exposition Center will also play host to festivities.


Several local attractions and organizations have events and exhibits planned in honor of the festival, including the Muhammad Ali Childhood Home, Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, Louisville Quest, Looking for Lilith Theatre Co., Copper & Kings, Louisville Bats and Louisville Bicycle Tours.


Ali, originally known as Cassius Clay, was born in Louisville on Jan. 17, 1942. It was here he honed his ability as a boxer, and it was here he returned to after winning an Olympic Gold Medal in the 1960 Rome Olympics. He returned often after capturing the title of Heavyweight Champion of the World and was actively involved with the vision and direction of the Muhammad Ali Center.


Having lived most of his young life in Louisville, the city is full of “landmarks” that are the backdrops of the events and experiences that molded Ali into the man who was both loved and respected throughout the world as a legendary sports figure and humanitarian, as well as a man of true principles. A self-guided tour brochure helps fans trace some of Ali’s “Footsteps of Greatness.” A local tour company also offers visitors an opportunity to experience many of the stops that have historic relevance to Ali’s life.

Make a visit to Louisville for the “I Am Ali” Festival part of a special summer getaway in Louisville. In addition to the festival, take the self-guided Muhammad Ali Footsteps of Greatness Tour, which highlights local landmarks that celebrate “The Greatest,” including the Muhammad Ali Center, the Muhammad Ali Childhood Home, Columbia Auditorium and Cave Hill Cemetery.


For more information about holidays to Louisville and Kentucky call us on 020 8742 8299 or email sales@americaasyoulikeit.com

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