BC AMATEUR BOXINGS NEW HORIZONS - 2011

FROM THE ASHES TO THE BRIGHT FLAMING STARS - By: Brian W. Zelley -

The Moody Blues: "Vast vision must improve our sight"...

As a follow-up to OUT OF THE SHADOWS, I see a new horizon for the sport of amateur boxing in British Columbia.
I saw in it in the faces of some of the novice boxers in Victoria in April 2010, and I saw it in the faces of some of the officials
and coaches and ex-boxers that paraded into the ring along with George Chuvalo and some of the stories.

But, I saw it in the faces and heard
 it in the voices of members of the new or revived clubs as they look forward to more
activity in future days. But, the brightest stories were some of the post-boxing stories
of the boxers that regardlessof the results many realized it was just a learning experience
and they would do better next time.

THe good news is, the final day of the 2010 BC Golden Gloves was only12 days ago
and some of the boxing clubs are working on the improvements that will be necessary
 if the young boxers hope to step onto the path that will lead to the "Road To Excellence"
where all things are possible with dedication, desire and determination.

Most may never reach the victory stand in a National or International tournament,
but if they strife to be the best that they can be, then they
will stand-out as true Champions of the sport of amateur boxing.

However, the road will always be paved with unknowns and setbacks, so now is the time
for all amateur boxing clubs in British Columbia and Canada to look forward to the
new horizons and reach out to make all things possible. Part of that new beginning
will be for all clubs in each region to join together and through open and timely
communication, enthusiastic co-operation,
and with a clear vision make things happen and open the doors
to the many paths that will lead each willing trainee
to the "road to excellence" without setbacks, barriers and limited competition.

OUT OF THE SHADOWS

OUT OF THE SHADOWS: By Brian W. Zelley -

LOOKING BACK it has been a long time since entering a boxing gym. Before 2010, the last visit was 1999.
Attending a live boxing match has been a long time coming, before 2010, the last time was during the
1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria Although involved with some of the planning between 1989 to 1992
by the time 1994 rolled around, I was just another face in the crowd. In 2010, it was interesting visiting the
Capital City Boxing Club and attending the 2010 BC Golden Gloves and meeting folks from the past and present
including Canadian great GEORGE CHUVALO. It was an opportunity to hear about the Golden Dreams of todasy.

Looking back so many folks from the Sixties throughout the Eighties did so much for the sport of Amateur Boxing,
but many are gone or just faded memories or the great unknown by most involved in amateur boxing in 2010.

Looking through the pages of Municipal or the British Columbia Sports Hall of Fames, the sport of boxing appears to be overlooked, but November 21, 2009 became an important date for amateur boxing in British Columbia and Greater Victoria
when former boxer and coach Mike Caird was inducted into Greater Victoria Sports Halll of Fame as a builder in the
area of coaching. Although Caird is one of many involved in the building of amateur boxing in Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island, it was a good choice because he is likely the best known for his involvement between 1995 and 2001. For folks like
Howard Curling, Rick Brough, and others it is too late as they are gone and largely forgotten and are unlikely to have their names
included on any Municipal Sports Hall of Fame. Curling for instance was there in the Fifties as a coach and administrator and there in the Eighties to help organize the sport on Vancouver Island.

On the Provincial level only seven persons that have been involved in boxing are recognized as inductees. Considering
the Golden Gloves began in 1939, that is less than one boxer or builder per decade. That my friends is wrong and
unfair - there are many worthy folks that should be inducted as athletes or builders, but as of 2010 the years keep
passing them by. Many are now forgotten or just faded memories by sports fans or those that operate the sport today.
Some possible names to consider include the late Frank Scott and Elio Ius , or 1968 Olympian Dick Findlay and others like
Stanley F. Smith. Or beyond Greater Vancouver a few others could be considered while we follow the golden dreams of the
today's warriors in their moment of glory.