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Klitschko Brothers Help Children in Brazil

05.12 - As role models, there are few athletes, if any, as willing, dedicated and gracious with their time as Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko, the world-class boxers and gentlemen who continue to fight for others, less fortunate, almost on a daily basis.

The classy, clean-cut Klitschkos, who both have PhD's in sports science from the University of Kiev, are heavily involved with the German Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). As their official title "Heroes For Children" with UNESCO suggests, the brothers spend a lot of time reaching out to needy kids in developing countries around the world.

Four days after Wladimir (39-1, 36 KOs) defends his World Boxing Organization (WBO) heavyweight title against Jameel McCline (28-2-3, 16 KOs) at Mandalay Bay, he and his older brother, Vitali (32-1, 31 KOs), a former WBO heavyweight champion, are scheduled to fly to Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, to begin their work for the "Education For Children In Need'' project.

"We look forward to making these kinds of trips," Wladimir said. "It is our intention when we visit these special school projects to give hope, confidence and inspiration to all the little girls and boys and to, of course, stress education. Education is the foundation for everything. If kids get the proper education, they can break through the vicious circle of poverty, crime and prostitution.''

Said Vitali, who will take on World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis in the spring of 2003: "We try to impress on the kids that without a good, solid education, one can never get a good job or find their way in life. A lot of these kids grew up on the streets. They do not have a lot. We try to show them that there is a way for them to succeed.''

Before heading to Brazil for five days, the Klitschkos will spend two days in New York. On Monday, they will be the guest speakers at a New York Daily News-sponsored luncheon in Brighton Beach aimed at reaching out to the many Russians and Ukrainians who reside in the area. The next morning, they will meet with the Secretary General of the U.N., Kofi Annan. On Tuesday night, the brothers will be at Madison Square Garden seated first-row courtside when the Knicks host Seattle.

"Sometimes when people see us, they automatically think we are basketball players," said the 6-foot-7, 25-year-old Wladimir, who is one inch shorter and five years younger than Vitali. "They don't believe we are boxers. But we tell them: 'We seek knockouts, not slam dunks.' ''

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