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When it came to sport, Nelson Mandela had the ability to inspire even inspirational figures and leave global stars completely star-struck. The anti-apartheid leader, former South African president and Nobel Peace Prize winner died on Thursday at the age of 95, prompting a vast outpouring of tributes from the worlds best-known athletes and top sporting bodies. Muhammad Ali, himself a role model for so many, said Mandela inspired others to "reach for what appeared to be impossible." "What I will remember most about Mr. Mandela is that he was a man whose heart, soul and spirit could not be contained or restrained by racial and economic injustices, metal bars or the burden of hate and revenge," Ali said in a statement through his foundation. Pele wrote, "He was my hero, my friend." Tiger Woods called his meeting with Mandela in 1998 "inspiring times." "Its sad for everyone who got a chance to not only meet him, but Ive been influenced by him," Woods said. Usain Bolt posted on Twitter: "One of the greatest human beings ever." The NBAs LeBron James said: "In his 95 years, he was able to do unbelievable things not only for South Africa but for the whole world." As much as sportsmen and women loved Mandela, he in turn loved sport and appreciated its enormous potential to do good. Nowhere more than in his own country, where he famously used the 1995 Rugby World Cup to knock down the last barriers of apartheid. "A remarkable man who understood that sport could build bridges, break down walls, and reveal our common humanity," International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said in a statement to The Associated Press. The IOC would fly the Olympic flag at half-staff for three days for Mandela, he said. Bach later choked up while speaking about when he met Mandela in 1996 and asked the former political prisoner if he felt hatred toward the apartheid regime that imprisoned him for 27 years. "His immediate response was no but he saw the doubt in my eyes," Bach said on Friday. "You dont believe me? he asked. I can tell you why. If I hate I would not be a free man anymore." Bach wasnt the only one to show his emotions. Gary Player paused while speaking at a golf tournament in South Africa to compose himself and wipe away tears. "When you think of a man going to jail for all those years for doing the right thing, not the wrong thing, its hard to comprehend that a man can come out and be like that," Player said. "He was an exceptional man, just exceptional." FIFA president Sepp Blatter said he and world football were in mourning at Mandelas passing and ordered that the 209 flags of its member countries at FIFA headquarters in Switzerland also be flown at half-staff. "It is in deep mourning that I pay my respects to an extraordinary person, probably one of the greatest humanists of our time and a dear friend of mine," Blatter said. From a cricket test in Australia to basketball games in the United States, and a golf tournament in the wilderness of South Africa, Mandela was remembered by players and fans across sport with moments of silence. A keen amateur boxer and runner in his youth, Mandela understood the intricacies of rugby, football and cricket, the most popular sports in his country, but even games and players the South African wouldnt have been familiar with were touched by him. "Nelson Mandela was one of the most powerful and inspirational leaders in the world and a great friend of the NBA," league commissioner David Stern said, "... and while we mourn his passing, we know that his legacy and quest for equality will endure." Sport was never far from Mandelas mind. He was there -- often the driving force -- when South Africa returned to the Olympic family, won rugbys World Cup, won footballs African Cup and earned the right to host FIFAs World Cup in 2010, the first in Africa. It was fitting that Mandelas last appearance for an adoring public was when he greeted fans in a packed stadium on the outskirts of Soweto ahead of the 2010 World Cup final. "When he was honoured and cheered by the crowd ... it was as a man of the people, a man of their hearts, and it was one of the most moving moments I have ever experienced," Blatter said. A string of Spains World Cup winners from that year and Portugals Cristiano Ronaldo all tweeted messages of condolence, with many including photographs of themselves with Mandela. Global superstars Woods and David Beckham both made a point of meeting him when they travelled to South Africa. Woods came out of his audience with a copy of the mans autobiography and Beckham was almost reverent in their 2003 meeting. "We have lost a true gentleman and a courageous human being," Beckham said on his Facebook page. "It was truly an honour to have known a man who had genuine love for so many people." South African golfer Ernie Els said that from around 1996 onwards Mandela would call him every time he won a tournament and they once exchanged gifts after Mandela visited him at a tournament near the ex-presidents Johannesburg home. "Ive still got that picture in my office in the U.S.," Els said. "He was just the most amazing person I have ever met." But Mandelas interest in sport wasnt just for the grand occasion and the photo opportunity. Recalling his first conversation with a still imprisoned Mandela in 1986 and away from the media spotlight, former Australian prime minister Malcolm Fraser said Mandelas first question was about cricket and the man regarded as that sports greatest player. "His first remark to me, after hello, was ... Mr. Fraser, is Donald Bradman still alive?" Fraser later brought him a bat signed by Bradman. Crickets finest batsman had written "in recognition of a great unfinished innings" for Mandela on the bat. What Mandela did at that 1995 Rugby World Cup final is one of sports defining moments and enshrined in the new South Africas conscience. By pulling on the green and gold jersey of the Springboks, the national team previously all-white and associated with the apartheid regime, Mandela signalled to all South Africans that they should unite. His presentation of the trophy to the Springboks blond captain Francois Pienaar provided a lasting image of reconciliation that politics just couldnt match. "It was our privilege to have lived in this country during his lifetime," South African Rugby Union president Oregan Hoskins said. After 1995, Mandela commonly referred to the team that had previously been boycotted abroad for its associations with apartheid as "my beloved Springboks." Current Springboks captain Jean de Villiers said: "His presence at a test match just lifted the crowd and energized the team -- it is actually hard to describe." Even for New Zealands losing rugby captain on that famous June day in 1995, Sean Fitzpatrick, Mandelas effect was too momentous not to appreciate. "Afterwards, when we were driving back to our hotel crying, to see the sheer enjoyment of everyone running down the streets ... black, white, colored, whatever they were, just arm in arm celebrating sport," Fitzpatrick said. "He saw the bigger picture." Cheap Jacksonville Jaguars Jerseys . James scored 25 points against his former team, leading the energized Heat to a 114-107 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night. Dwyane Wade added 24 points and Chris Bosh had 22 for the Heat, idle since a 90-84 loss Tuesday at Indiana. Josh Allen Jersey .Corey Brewer had 19 points eight rebounds, five assists and five steals for the Timberwolves, who snapped a six-game losing streak and won for just the third time since Ricky Rubio went out with an injured ankle on Nov. http://www.cheapjaguarsjerseysauthentic....liams-ii-jersey. Locke overcame a shaky start to pitch seven innings and Josh Harrison had three hits to extend his hot streak as the Pirates beat the Miami Marlins 7-3 on Wednesday night. Gardner Minshew II Jersey . Last year, Matt Kuchar closed with a 4-under 68 to beat Kevin Chappell by two strokes for his second win of the 2013 season and sixth of his career. Cheap Jaguars Jerseys Authentic . The judge sternly instructed the prosecutor to restrain himself and he apologized -- then went right back to trying to pick holes in the testimony of the double-amputee runner. It was a harsh day of cross-examination for Pistorius, challenged relentlessly about his account of the moments just before he killed Reeva Steenkamp, as well as circumstances related to several firearms charges against him, including the firing of a gun in a crowded restaurant.TORONTO -- The elaborate designs Dominic Oduro has worn shaved in his hair have included a black and yellow striped mohawk, a replica slice of pepperoni pizza, and even a neon pink breast cancer ribbon with matching pink mohawk. But Oduro turns heads on the pitch for more than his distinctive hairstyles, and thats all Toronto FC cares about. "I dont think Ill be joining him in any fashion choices," Toronto captain Steven Caldwell said, laughing. "No interest in his hair. Were only interested in his talents on the pitch." TFC acquired the speedy Ghana forward/winger in a trade with the Crew on Friday, sending Spanish winger Alvaro Rey to Columbus. Toronto hopes to have Oduro in the lineup when they host the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday. The 28-year-old Oduro, whose Twitter handle is "Freakyfast8," has 46 goals in 228 MLS appearances, including 139 starts. "Were talking about the fastest or one of the top three fastest guys in the whole league, so its very exciting to have Dominic join us," Caldwell said. "Hes been a dangerous opponent of ours since I came here, scored a couple of goals and been a real thorn in the side. When were defending for long periods with Dominic in the park we can break with such pace, and cause every team in the league problems." The colourful character earned mention on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" after a 2013 goal celebration against Chicago that saw him take a bite of pizza after being passed a slice by a waiting accomplice. Oduro then gave the rest of the pizza to a fan in the stands. He showcased his love for pizza by having the design of a slice shaved into his hair. Asked what he knows about his new teammate, star striker Jermain Defoe said "I just heard that hes fast. I heard that hes really quick. At the end of the day the club has done good business so I can imagine that hes going to improve the team. And he knows that hes coming into a good team, so hopefully he can come and get off to good start and help the team." Toronto (5-4-1) is in sixth in the Eastern Conference -- one spot out of the playoffs -- with several games in hand, and hopes to head into the three-week break for the World Cup on a high note. Coach Ryan Nelsen said hes coveted Oduro since last season, when the six-foot-one player scored in two of the three meetings between the teams. "We know his character really well, we know who he is, and we know that when we scouted Columbus, hes one of the guys that you worry about. Most teams when they scout Columbus, you worry about Dominic Oduro," Nelsen said. "Hes proved in the league that he can be pretty devastating. Hes a nice age, hes got good MLS experience, and can play a couple of positions and hes going to be a very valuable asset to our club." Wheen asked if Toronto was lacking in speed before acquiring Oduro, Nelsen said: "No, but pace always helps doesnt it? "Its always nice to have probably the fastest guy in the league on your team, a guy who scored double-figure goals in the league.dddddddddddd It helps, he can play right midfield, he can play striker, so its just another weapon in the arsenal that were trying to build. Were trying to make the squad better, deeper, and we always look to be creative, and well keep doing that." Oduro, who was to arrive in Toronto later Friday, had a career-high 13 goals last season, but is goalless in 11 games (six starts) this season. Prior to Columbus, he played for Chicago, Dallas, Houston and New York. "To my new team, Toronto hope to help the team move forward. Thanks for everyones love and support," the Ghanaian tweeted Friday. Another tweet read: "Wanna thank the Crew organization for the opportunity they gave me to play for them. It was blast but in the end guess it didnt work out." Toronto doesnt play again until June 27 when they travel to New York to face the Red Bulls, and Nelsen said hed love to head into the break with a victory. "Of course its important, to get back to winning ways in front of our home fans," Nelsen said. "Were really motivated, could put us in a really nice position in the league, weve many games in hand." Toronto dropped a 1-0 decision in Montreal on Wednesday, as the Impact won the Amway Canadian Championship, which doesnt count toward Major League Soccer standings. Defoe said his teammates had put that loss behind them. "I think the league is more important," said Jermain Defoe. "To be honest I think that was the main goal before the season started, to have a good run in the league and hopefully get in the playoffs. Now its important to focus on the league, no distractions. Were on a good run at the minute." TFCs last league game was a 3-2 win over Columbus last weekend. San Jose (4-4-4) is coming off its first road win of the season, beating FC Dallas 2-1. "Theyre a very good team, they dont give you much, they have very good centre backs there, and theyre just a very very hard working, solid, well-organized team and they dont give you much in terms of goals," Nelsen said of the Earthquakes. "Credit to Mark Watson, their coach (who is Canadian). Theyre like him, just hard and organized. It will be a very very difficult game." The 24-year-old Rey, meanwhile, had one goal in 20 appearances for Toronto. He made six starts, with one substitute appearance, this season but had been slowed by injury and dropped behind Jonathan Osorio on the left side on depth chart. Prior to joining the Toronto, Rey scored three goals in 28 appearances for Spanish side Xerez. 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