Michael “Pinball” Clemons to Receive 2025 IPA | AIP Celebrity Peace Ambassador Award

Toronto, Canada – July 9, 2025 — The International Peace Alliance | Alliance Internationale de la Paix (IPA | AIP) is honoured to announce that Mr. Michael “Pinball” Clemons, celebrated Canadian football icon, philanthropist, and community leader, has been named the recipient of the 2025 IPA | AIP Celebrity Peace Ambassador Award.

The IPA | AIP Celebrity Peace Ambassador Award is presented annually to a public figure in culture and entertainment who uses their platform to advance human rights, solidarity, and Peace. Mr. Clemons exemplifies these values through his leadership on and off the field, using sport as a transformative tool to inspire and empower individuals and communities.

“Michael Clemons is a shining example of how sport can be harnessed for peace, dignity, and social justice,” said the Hon. Dr. Alvin Curling, President of IPA | AIP. “His leadership, generosity, and dedication to empowering youth and communities embody the spirit of this award and the mission of the International Peace Alliance.”

As a former all-star running back, Grey Cup-winning coach, and current General Manager of the Toronto Argonauts, Mr. Clemons is recognized not only for his record-breaking achievements in Canadian football but also for his tireless work as a philanthropist and motivational leader. His initiatives, including The Pinball Clemons Foundation and the Toronto Inner-City Rugby Foundation, provide educational resources and opportunities for marginalized youth, fostering inclusion, resilience, and hope.

Mr. Clemons’ distinguished career includes:

• CFL’s Most Outstanding Player (1990)

• Multiple Grey Cup championships as player and coach

• Canadian Football Hall of Fame inductee (2008)

• Ontario Sports Hall of Fame and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame inductee

• Recipient of the Order of Ontario and Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

• Meritorious Service Cross (2021)

Born in Florida and a graduate of William & Mary, Mr. Clemons became renowned as one of the most electrifying players in professional football, retiring with a record 25,438 combined career yards. His jersey #31 is retired by the Toronto Argonauts, a distinction shared by only four players in the team’s history.

The IPA | AIP Celebrity Peace Ambassador Award will be formally presented to Mr. Clemons at the Peace Ambassadors Awards Gala & Grand Ball, the concluding celebration of the 2025 International Peace Festival, on September 26, 2025, at the King Edward Hotel in Toronto, Canada.