NFL athlete and humanitarian Victor Cruz, New York Giants’ Brandon Marshall and Olympian Herbert P. Douglas Jr. celebrate Serena Williams and posthumously honor Muhammad Ali at the 2017 Jesse Owens Awards Gala

The International Athletic Association (IAA) and Moët Hennessy hosted the annual Jesse Owens International Athlete Trophy Gala, where sports legends were recognized for exemplifying the ideals embodied by Olympian and humanitarian Jesse Owens: integrity, perseverance and service. The prestigious celebration recognized tennis legend Serena Williams and posthumously honored Muhammad Ali for their athletic and philanthropic achievements.

NFL athlete and humanitarian Victor Cruz accepted the Jesse Owens Athlete Trophy on Ms. Williams’s behalf. The trophy is an annual award given to the world’s best athlete as voted by a group of sports writers and experts from all over the world. Iconic filmmaker Spike Lee had the honor of presenting Muhammad Ali’s family with the Jesse Owens Global Peace Award, in recognition of the boxing legend’s commitment to peace and justice outside the ring.

With more than 300 VIPs in attendance and thanks to sponsors such as Moët Hennessy and Delta, this year’s gala raised more money for the Jesse Owens Foundation than ever before. Proceeds raised from the gala benefit the Jesse Owens Foundation which provides future generations with resources to help develop their talents, broaden their horizons and help them become better citizens.

On April 26, 2017, the Jesse Owens Foundation hosted a VIP Cocktail Reception at the New York Athletic Club to jumpstart the celebration. Guests included members of Muhammad Ali’s family, Herb Douglas Jr., and Rodney Williams, CMO of Moët Hennessy.

The International Athletic Association (IAA) is a non-profit organization established to promote and to encourage universal values of fairness, integrity, uncompromising sportsmanship and excellence in athletic competition. Committed to keeping alive the spirit, heart, and qualities of world renowned US