Former heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali was in attendance at the University of Louisville on Thursday to receive an award for being an inspiration to others.

The 73-year-old, who rarely makes public appearances due to his battle with Parkinson's disease, was handed the first ever Grawemeyer Spirit Award at his hometown.

Ali, who won Olympic gold for the USA in 1960, was on stage to pick up his award, but his wife Lonnie Ali addressed the guests at the ceremony.

"Muhammad is honoured to be recognised by the University of Louisville and the Grawemeyer Awards Committee with the very first H Charles Grawemeyer Spirit Award," the Daily Mail quotes Lonnie as saying.

"In accepting this award, we are reminded that Muhammad's life continues to inspire generations of people to discover and cultivate their own path to greatness and to use their talents and successes to empower others in communities all over the world.

"This award allows Muhammad's legacy, like Charles Grawemeyer's legacy, to live on through the people they inspire."

University of Louisville president James Ramsey handed Ali the award.