Alexander Ovechkin did not receive the honor bestowed with the name of Muhammad Ali.
In a significant recognition of their contributions to society, Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin and American tennis player Sloane Stephens have been nominated for the prestigious Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award.
Ovechkin, known for his prowess on the ice, has been nominated for his significant efforts in the areas of cancer research and youth development. One of his most notable initiatives is "THE GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer," a campaign that raises awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research.
Starting with his 885th career goal, Ovechkin has pledged to donate money for every goal he scores during the remainder of his NHL career. Monumental Sports & Entertainment is matching these contributions, leading to over $150,000 raised so far.
In addition to his work in cancer research, Ovechkin has actively supported youth hockey initiatives in Washington, D.C., fostering a love for the sport and providing opportunities for young people to engage in hockey. He also works to increase hockey's accessibility through Ovi's 8's and supporting the Association for the Advancement of Adaptive Hockey.
Ovechkin's nomination for the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award does not imply he has won the award. In fact, the only hockey player to have won the award is Canadian defenseman Mark Giordano, who received the honor in 2017.
Meanwhile, Sloane Stephens, who reached the finals of the French Open and the WTA Finals in 2018, and won the US Open in 2017, among other accolades, has been nominated for her philanthropic work off the court. Her foundation offers free educational programs to children in Compton and South Florida, including courses in reading, financial literacy, swimming, and other sports.
Notably, Sloane Stephens is the first tennis player to be named a laureate of the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award. JJ McCullum from the NBA New Orleans Pelicans was also nominated for the award.
The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, established in 2015 and previously known as the "Sports Humanitarian Award," is awarded annually to an athlete who demonstrates leadership and has a significant positive impact on society through sports.
While Ovechkin and Stephens are in competition for the award, their nominations highlight their commitment to using their platforms for good and making a difference in the lives of others. Their stories serve as a testament to the power of sports in fostering positive change.
[1] ESPN. (n.d.). Alexander Ovechkin's fight against childhood cancer. ESPN. https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/32010514/alexander-ovechkin-fight-childhood-cancer-espn-magazine [2] The V Foundation. (n.d.). THE GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer. The V Foundation. https://www.jimmyv.org/events/gr8-chase-for-victory-over-cancer [3] Monumental Sports & Entertainment. (n.d.). THE GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer. Monumental Sports & Entertainment. https://www.monumentalsports.com/gr8chase
Sports-betting is not mentioned in the given text. Here are two sentences that contain the other given words:
Sloane Stephens, a tennis player, has been nominated for the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award due to her philanthropic work off the court, including free educational programs and sports initiatives for children in Compton and South Florida.
Alexander Ovechkin, known for his efforts in cancer research and youth development, has been nominated for the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award for his initiatives such as "THE GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer" and support for various youth hockey programs, making him a strong contender in sports-analysis discussions.