BRAMA, June 12, 2004, 1:00 am ET
MODIFIED 6/12/2004 11:00PM
What are the Klitschko Brothers doing in New York?
On June 8, the New York Daily News reported that famous boxing brothers, Vitaly and Vladimir Klitschko,
were flying in "from Russia" in order
to participate in a "kickoff party for Russian Heritage Week with Mayor
Bloomberg at Gracie Mansion." A photograph (not shown here) of Vitaly and Vladimir together
with the Mayor was published in Thursday's (June 10) edition of the newspaper
on page 3 of the Metro section insert. The caption under the photo reads:
"Mayor Bloomberg mixes it up with Russian boxers Vladimir (l.) and Vitale Klitchko [sic]
at Gracie Mansion as part of a celebration of Russian heritage."
It is not known for sure whether or not Vitaly and Vladimir flew in from Russia,
and it is doubtful that they came to the U.S. expressly to participate in the Daily News sponsored Russian Heritage week.
But there is no doubt that the Daily News incorrectly identified them as Russian.
The Klitschko brothers are citizens of Ukraine and their heritage is Ukrainian.
They both proudly display the blue and gold colors of the flag of Ukraine anytime they fight,
and there should be no confusion about their national identity.
Mayor Bloomberg © NYC.GOV
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Vladimir (L.) and Vitali Klitschko at a Laker's game. © BRAMA (FILE)
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For more information about Russian Heritage Week, read Celebrate Russian heritage, NY Daily News, June 6, 2004.
No confirmation of the Daily's reports were found on the official New York City
website (although a news release was published on June 10 that Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg hosted a reception at Gracie Mansion to celebrate the 9th Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade).
The New York Times, however, mentioned that fétes held at Gracie Mansion include "a minifeast of fish, Russian vodka and Georgian wines to celebrate Russian Heritage week" (see article: With Mayor Out, the People Move In, dated June 11, 2004).
Mayor Bloomberg chose to reside in his private home rather than at Gracie Mansion,
leaving the landmark structure available for holding more special events than were possible under previous city administrations.
Incidentally, Mr. Bloomberg's Manhattan townhouse is across the street from the Ukrainian Institute of America on East 79th.
A Reuters photographer captured the Klitschko brothers on film yesterday sauntering around Times Square.
The caption states that Vitali will throw out the first pitch at the New York Yankee's baseball game today (June 12).
In addition, it turns out that the boxing champions are going West for yet another event.
The East Side Boxing website reports that the Klitschko brothers are to participate in the Olympic games torch relay.
According to the report, "Vitali will serve as a torch carrier in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 16, at Dodger Stadium, while Wladimir will run in Kiev, Ukraine, on July 5."
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