UIA to honor Klitschko brothers
NEW YORK - The Ukrainian Institute of America (UIA) will honor Vitalii and Volodymyr Klitschko with its 2004 "Man of the Year" Award, the institute announced on July 12. The official awards ceremony, with the Klitschkos in attendance, will be scheduled for late 2004 or early 2005.
The decision to honor the boxing brothers was an obvious choice, according to Walter Nazarewicz, UIA president, as it continues the institute's tradition of honoring Ukrainians who have excelled in their particular fields.
"We first met Vitalii and Volodymyr in 2002, when their close friend Kyiv Mayor Oleksander Omelchenko was in town to accept the Man of the Year Award. Then, we honored the man who led the rebirth of Ukraine's capital," Mr. Nazarewicz said, "and this year, we would like to salute the two brothers who have contributed to Ukraine's international renown in the world of professional sports."
Vitalii Klitschko is the reigning heavyweight champion of the World Boxing Council (WBC). Volodymyr won Olympic gold for Ukraine in Atlanta in 1996.
Besides their athletic achievements, the brothers have become virtual goodwill ambassadors for Ukraine. Publicly proud of their Ukrainian heritage, the brothers, who hold Ph.D. degrees, are also active in a variety of charitable endeavors in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Institute of America Man of the Year award will be presented at a gala ceremony at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, with many prominent Americans and Ukrainians expected to attend.
The institute expressed thanks to the father-and-son team of Yaroslav (Jerry) and Roman Kernitski of the U.S.-based Klitschko Fan Club for their support in organizing this year's award.
Previous UIA Man of the Year award recipients include Oscar award winner Jack Palance, U.S. Gen. Nicholas Krawciw and international financier George Soros.
Founded in 1948, the Ukrainian Institute of America is a non-profit organization dedicated to showcasing Ukrainian culture and achievements.
Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, July 18, 2004, No. 28, Vol. LXXII
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