George Chuvalo Visits Campbellford District High School

George Chuvalo, one of the world's greatest heavyweight boxers famous for going the distance against Muhammad Ali, spoke to students at Campbellford District High School on Tuesday, October 12.

Never knocked down in 93 professional fights, he's known for having the toughest chin in the history of boxing. In fact, Ali called him "the toughest guy I ever fought."

But Chuvalo's story is about much more than boxing. It's a story of tragedy, depression, and conflict. Chuvalo spoke about his own "personal family holocaust" which saw two of his four sons die as a result of drug overdoses, the suicide of a third son and the suicide of his wife.

Chuvalo spoke to the students about the importance of education to success "it's hard to find an honour roll student in trouble with the law". Chuvalo also stressed good self-esteem, clean living, and a close relationship with friends and family as important components to success.

George Chuvalo was the reigning Canadian Heavyweight Boxing Champion for 21 years, from 1958 until 1979. Ranked in the top 10 of the World Boxing for much of his career, George faced many of the best fighters of this century: Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Floyd Patterson, Ernie Terrell, Joe Frazier, Jerry Quarry and many others.

George retired from boxing in 1979 as the undisputed Heavyweight Champion of Canada. In 1990, he was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. After his boxing career, George took various parts in a number of movies, including "The Fly", "Prom Night Three", "The Untouchables" and most recently, "Dirtyworks".

Today, George speaks to students, parents and other groups about drugs and how they have impacted his life. He lost 3 sons and a wife as a result of substance abuse. His graphic recollection of events and his expressive nature enable him to convey his powerful message. The feedback he receives has been positive, appreciative and encouraging. Being a father to drug addicted sons provides him with the insight and wisdom required to capture any listener. His presentations are in demand from coast to coast. He de-glamorizes drug use by giving examples of what he has witnessed first hand. One fact is true -- addicts always begin with experimentation. He also stresses the fact that in the criminal system, the majority of crimes are committed as a result of substance abuse. In most cases, addicts turn into criminal, not criminals into addicts.

http://fightagainstdrugs.ca/

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• Chuvalo
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[saintpetter1]

Anybody tell this guy that he is talking about Campbellford ... Truthfully .. I grew up there, and all their is there is drugs man.. That's it. Every kid there is fucked.. It's not right.. You can try and help them, cause I have.. They don't give a fuck.. Not one .. That town is full of scummy people.

[Ernitronic]

jureeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee­eeeeeeeeee

[evandone1]

Go George chuvalo