Ultimate Fighting Champ To Show His Country Faith

10/19/2011
. (Webster) Three time World Ultimate Fighting Champion Rich "Ace" Franklin will be a part of the 17th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country Music Awards at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on October 28.

"Rich Franklin is a legend, a champion, an ambassador for his sport, and one of the most respected athletes in the world, so we are especially thrilled with his involvement with this year's Awards," noted Association Executive Director, Jason Higgins in making the announcement. "For a sports hero of this caliber to add his enthusiasm to support our 2011 theme message for Breast Cancer Awareness Month moves the media awareness to a whole new level," added Higgins.

Franklin is recognized as one of the most competitive fighters to ever step into the Octagon� . His popularity as one of the most popular UFC fighters in the history of the sport is widely credited as a major factor in propelling Ultimate Fighting over to wider market mainstream awareness and audiences. UFC now boasts the fastest growing fan base in the world of sports.

There is, however, much more to Rich "Ace" Franklin than what happens within the confines of the fighting cage. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics, as well as a master's degree in education and was a former high school math teacher. He is co-founder of Keep It In The Ring Foundation, a non-profit organization that advocates non-violence and advocates character building for youth. His humanitarian work extends to his upcoming visit to Nashville in support to raise the standard in the fight against breast cancer.

"I am thrilled to be a part of this awards show and to lend my support to the Inspirational Country Music Awards in this great cause," noted Rick Franklin in a press statement issued this week.

The October 28 ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards presentation continue as the highpont finale of Inspirational Country Music Week which will this year run October 24-28 in Nashville.

The awards presentation will be co-hosted by GAC-TV's popular host Storme Warren and Inside Edition's Megan Alexander. Major award nominees for this year's honor include Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Ronnie Dunn, The Band Perry, Josh Turner, Randy Travis, Ricky Skaggs, The Isaacs, and George Strait. Artists set to perform include Joey+Rory, Lee Greenwood, Ricky Skaggs, Guy Penrod, Buddy Jewell, Chuck Day, The Roys, Lathan Moore, and Lucas Hoge with additional artist presenters and performers to be announced.

The 17th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards will stream live and air on several networks this year. Already set to air the telecast:

StageIt.com will stream the 2011 ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards live. Oct 28th, 8PM CST.

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