End: Monday, October 30, 2023 - 08:00 pm
BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum will present the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, the state’s highest commendation for its citizens, to world champion boxer Virgil Hill during a ceremony Monday, Oct. 30, at the Bismarck Event Center.
The award ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. in the main arena at the Bismarck Event Center, 315 S. 5th S., Bismarck, where Hill fought several memorable boxing matches. A reception with refreshments will precede the ceremony at 5 p.m. at the Event Center. The event is free and open to the public.
In addition to Burgum, the ceremony will feature remarks from Hill’s friend and former trainer, Al Larsien, former Make-A-Wish board member Fran Joerz, MHA Nation Chairman Mark Fox, and Hill himself. Hill’s friend and former manager Bill Sorenson will serve as master of ceremonies.
Burgum announced Hill as the 48th recipient of the Rough Rider Award on Aug. 10. Raised in Grand Forks and Williston, Hill won a silver medal in the middleweight division during the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, was a five-time world champion, set the record for the number of light heavyweight title defenses and was a first-round inductee into both the National Boxing Hall of Fame and International Boxing Hall of Fame.
The Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award recognizes present and former North Dakotans who have been influenced by the state in achieving national recognition in their fields of endeavor, thereby reflecting credit and honor upon North Dakota and its citizens.