AKIPRESS.COM - A delegation of 12 boxers and trainers from Kazakhstan is in Muhammad Ali's hometown of Louisville this week as part of a two-week cultural exchange program.

Participants include seven men and five women from the Asian country who were selected by the Kazakhstan Boxing Federation in recognition of their leadership skills as youth athletes and trainers, reported Kentucky.

The participants are learning how communities in Louisville empower youth through sports education programs. The delegation is being introduced to the Muhammad Ali Center's education curriculum, which is used in schools and youth boxing clubs.

In addition to visiting the Ali Center, the delegation will meet Louisville's mayor and meet youth involved in community service through sports.

The cultural exchange program is sponsored by the U.S. State Department.