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2nd Annual Jesse Owens International Amateur Athlete Award Dinner 
March 16, 1983 -- Grand Ballroom, N.Y. Hilton 

[[4 images from the event]]

Jesse Owens is revered around the world as one who stands at the pinnacle of athletic achievement while embodying the spirit of comradeship toward all the peoples of the world. His uniqueness is unparalelled and is now immortalized by an award in his name.

Recently at the New York Hilton a dinner was held to present the First Annual Jesse Owens International Amateur Athlete of the Year Award. Emceed by Jack Whitaker of ABC TV Sports, with special speakers Dan Rather of CBS TV and Bob Richards, 1952 Pole Vault Champion.


The award is open to any amateur athlete regardless of race, creed, nationality or sport. A Selection Committee was appointed by the International Amateur Athletic Association from each Continent, knowledgeable in all sports, to select a Blue Ribbon Panel of 20 Electors from their respective Continent to cast ballots. Final decisions were based on the year's performance and portrayal of the ideals of Jesse Owens. Jack Whitaker called it "The Most Unique Award in Sports".

Sebastian Coe of Great Britain was the recipient of the Award. World record holder at 800 meters, 1,000 meters, 1,500 meters and the mile, the 25 year old student of history and economics garnered 50 first place votes. In second place was Edwin Moses, the most consistent and greatest 400 meter hurdler in history. Relatively inactive in 1981 he received six first place votes. Evelyn Ashford, the world's best woman sprinter in 1981, also received six first place votes but was outdistanced for second 26 to 9 by Moses.

The Award is the brainchild of Herbert Douglas, Vice president of Schieffelin & Co., one of the largest wines and spirits importers in the country, whose many prestigious brands include Hennessey Cognac, Moet & Chandon Champagnes and Blue Nun Wines. They became the original and largest sponsor. Douglas is also a long jump bronze medalist in the 1948 Olympic Games. Interestingly, he was once told by Owens "to pursue track and strive for your Olympic Team, but stay in school and get a good education. Track is only a means to an end." The Award which Bob Richards said "Will be the most prestigious in the World of Sports" has become a means to a greater end as the dinner proceeds will benefit the Jesse Owens Scholarship Foundation and the American Cancer Society.

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