Ed Sullivan Honored at the People to People Dinner of Champions

Recorded at the Hotel Astor, Ed Sullivan is honored at the Dinner of Champions sponsored by the People to People Sports Committee.

The event begins with a few remarks from Gordon Macrae who performs the song "People are People" with the Merle Staton Singers. Next, the Master of Ceremonies, Keith Morris of Sports Illustrated, describes the activities of the People to People Sports Committee in 1962. This group sponsors domestic and foreign travel of athletes to participate in all kinds of sports such as field hockey, lawn bowling, and yachting. They also provide sports "kits" and equipment to underprivileged populations all over the world.

Next, Colonel Eddie Egan introduces notable attendees in the audience that are involved in the organization. Leonard Milton introduces the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, Mortimer Kaplan, who makes a few jokes about collecting taxes as compared to physical activity.

Western film actor Dale Robertson is the next speaker, who is unfortunately not speaking into the recording microphone. He says a few words about the importance of "sending out these athletes around the world to offset some of the opinions people might have of America if they happen to pick up our newspapers and read about the juvenile delinquents." He then introduces the International Women for World Friendship and Understanding who act as hostesses to foreign athletes.

Keith Morris then introduces notable athletes in the audience and the publisher of Sports Illustrated, Sydney L. James, who says a few remarks. Eddie Egan reads a few telegrams from well-wishers.

The keynote speaker, Robert Moses, introduces Ed Sullivan as a "great publicist, raconteur, slab artist and man about town."

"We celebrate what he has done for worldwide sport and competition to promote the vigor of young men and women of all races, breeds and kinds, who are neither lazy, existentialist in revolt, nor delinquent."

Ed Sullivan delivers his address in which he discusses experiences representing America abroad, particularly in Israel and Russia. He asserts that this people-to-people spirit of goodwill can "win the cold war for us."

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 150272
Municipal archives id: LT9466