Middleweight contener Kassim Ouma’s unique life story takes center stage on national television this weekend. The former IBF World Champion Ouma gets back to boxing action next Friday on Telefutura, but first he will be featured in CBS Sports special..
On Sunday, October 28th, at 5pm ET (3pm ET in Late NFL Markets), CBS Sports will air “The United States Marine Corps Presents The 2007 ARETE Honors for Courage in Sports,” a one-hour special created and produced by Chicago-based Intersport. The program, now in its 18th year, will honor athletes who have overcome challenges and adversity to succeed in sports and celebrate those who achieved greatness in their sport over the past year. CBS Sports’ Jim Nantz will serve as host of the program.
The ARETE selection committee received over 300 nominations from 500 clubs, schools, sports teams and organizations around the world. From those nominations, five honorees were chosen: Ouma; Cooper Brannan, a former U.S. Marine who now pitches for the San Diego Padres organization; Samantha Larson, the youngest person to summit the highest peak on each continent; Jessica Long, an elite Paralympics swimmer and 2007 James E. Sullivan Award winner; and Martel Van Zant, a starting cornerback at Oklahoma State University.
“The ARETE Honors stands as a testament to what is right in the world of sports,” said show producer and Intersport Vice President of Production Dan Golden. “By bringing together the most uplifting stories, the ‘ARETE Honors’ has become the most inspirational hour in sports television.”
Other athletes recognized in the show include: General McLane High School senior Drew Astorino; University of Louisville marching band member Patrick Henry Hughes; Frank Thomas, Alex Rodriguez and Jim Thome; Peyton Manning and Brett Favre; the University of Illinois women’s wheelchair basketball team; and a special tribute to Hank Aaron.
Such world class athletes as Lance Armstrong, Muhammad Ali and Tiger Woods have been honored as part of “The ARETE Honors for Courage in Sports,” which will air on Sunday, October 28th, at 5pm ET on CBS Sports (3pm ET in Late NFL Markets).