Desmond Mason to be honored at U.N. with Athlete for Peace award

Desmond Mason, who is shown at an exhibit of his work in 2014 in Oklahoma City, will receive an Athlete for Peace Award at the U.N. on Wednesday night. [The Oklahoman archives]

Desmond Mason's athletic and artistic career has taken him over all the world, from huge basketball venues to prestigious art shows.

On Wednesday night, he will speak and be honored at the United Nations as a recipient of an Athlete for Peace Award at the United Nations Sports for Peace Forum and Awards.

"Artistically, it's the biggest honor for me," Mason said in a phone interview from New York.

Other athletes being honored include Derek Anderson, Kemba Walker and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson from the NBA; Amani Toomer, Aaron Maybin, David Nelson and Dwayne Harris from the NFL; boxing champion Hasim Rahman; and Chinese Olympic boxing champion Li Yang.