(Press Release)

(LAS VEGAS, NEV.) - 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Andre Ward (Oakland, Calif.) added another prestigious award to his growing trophy case on Saturday night at the 2005 Victor Awards in Las Vegas, Nev. Ward was honored for his gold medal winning performance at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.

The longest running televised sports awards presentation, the Victor Awards recognize the world’s finest athletes and coaches, and honors them for their achievements. Considered the Academy Awards of athletics, the Victors consist of 35 awards spanning 15 sports. Honoring the country’s most outstanding professional and amateur athletes and coaches, the Victor Awards consistently attract sports legends and famous presenters alike.

Ward accepted the award on behalf of all the Olympians in attendance at the event. The 21-year-old thanked the Victor Awards and the City of Hope for recognizing the accomplishments, hard work and dedication of he and his fellow Olympians.

After accepting the 2005 Victor Award, Ward took in the Middleweight World Title Fight between Bernard Hopkins and Jermain Taylor at the MGM Grand. Ward is preparing for his next bout which is tentatively scheduled to take place in mid-August.

The Victor Awards are presented to the most outstanding athletes and coaches in major categories as nominated by the board of directors of the City of Hope, which benefits the Children’s Hospital at the City of Hope National Medical Center in Los Angeles.