Most recognised man on the planet
You rarely see them together, and some say that they have merged to a certain degree. I say, if you work together, then why not holiday... I mean, represent Wales together. Yes... the First Minister and Deputy First Minister for Wales have held hands across the pond, and taken in a spot of diplomatic/touristic/joint ministerial venture in the USA.
Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones has presented a tribute from Wales to one of the most famous sportsmen ever - former world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali.
Muhammad Ali is the ‘favourite son’ of Louisville, Kentucky - location of the 2008 Ryder Cup competition at the Valhalla course - and he and Mrs Lonnie Ali met a Welsh delegation at an official “Muhammad Ali Welcomes the World to Louisville" event.
Mr Jones said:
Muhammad Ali [insert name here when applicable] has been an inspiration to many in my generation - and it is a great privilege to meet him in person.
We have produced our own crop of boxing greats - from Tommy Farr, the 'Tonypandy Terror’, who fought Joe Louis back in 1937 [well done Assembly Researchers], to Joe Calzaghe, a champion in our own days. Wales has followed Muhammad Ali's career in the ring with great excitement and empathy.
The meeting was one of the highlights of an official visit to the United States this week which marks the official handover of responsibility for the Ryder Cup to Wales in 2010. It took place in the Muhammad Ali Centre, Louisville, which promotes his legacy to future generations and shares the stories, and lessons from his life, with the world. During the evening, Mr Jones presented the former champion with a special Muhammad Ali 'Grogg' from Pontypridd.
Muhammad Ali is described as still ‘the most recognizable man on earth’. Over forty years after he burst on to the scene as a gold-medal winner at the 1960 Rome Olympics, he remains a magical figure, known and loved throughout the world.His success as a boxer is widely respected, but Ali's greatest triumph lies in his legacy as a champion, leader, humanitarian, and artist. His work both inside and outside the ring truly makes Muhammad Ali "The Greatest of All Time."
There's only one Plaid member that's hoping to move up/down a weight or two. All rumours and propaganda of course, but the most recognised man in Plaid Cymru, the part-time philosopher-politician himself would make a welcome addition to the corner of Plaid Cymru in most corners of Wales.
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3 comments:
Yes both together.
Over the pond
Universally recognised Mr. Ali!
Champion pugilist.
Ultimate boxer alright!
Never forget his fights!
The best whoever was.
Oh, selfless Ieuan, Rhodri too,
Just see what agonies they go through,
To represent our pure Welsh cause,
As far as possible from these shores.
We should be grateful, one and all,
For their sacrifice when backs are agin' the wall.
After all it's for the Ryder Cup,
From which few in Wales will ever sup.
Still, I suppose it's the same old story,
Of the Assembly seeking reflected glory,
From a man who achieved all that is great,
When his people were victims of the white man's hate.
And although he's now a little older.
He towers over these two, head and shoulder.
What did Wales give him? A bleedin' grog,
Which probably now rests on the shelf in his bog.
Hurry home soon, Rhodri and Ieuan,
Let's hear what you've learned from this all time lion.
Did he tell of his struggles with old Jim Crow?
Did he tell us the way that Wales needs to go?
Was anything learned from this convenient trip?
Did he let some of his greatness slip?
Or was this just another Assembly folly,
To expidite Rhodri and Ieuan's jolly.
They'll claim that the Ryder Cup brings to all,
The obvious benefits from that little white ball.
I'm afraid that I just can't see the worth,
To the people of Wales and the land of our birth.
Unless, of course, you own a pub,
Or have a hotel or sell lots of grub.
I hope that I'm wrong and that someone can tell,
What's in it for we ordinary folk? Well?
Great to have you back Mr Roger.
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