Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor
Lennox Lewis and wife Violet Lewis get the paparazzi treatment as the former champ holds the 2008 International Achievement award presented by the American Friends of Jamaica at Gotham Hall in New York, last Thursday night.
NEW YORK:
Former World heavyweight boxing champion Lennox Lewis will engage in talks with Sports Minister Olivia Grange this week, towards the establishment of boxing clubs for Jamaican youngsters interested in the sport.
The former boxer made the announcement as he accepted the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) 2008 International Achievement Award at the 27th annual New York gala and award event held at Gotham Hall, New York, on Thursday, November 6.
The boxing champion told The Sunday Gleaner that having reached the top in his field, his other goal is to regenerate the sport of boxing in Jamaica, and he hoped to start with Lewis Clubs in a small way and then expand across the island.
energetic boys
"The young boys in the island have a lot of energy and it should be channelled in the right way. We already have the fastest man in the world, so there is no reason that we cannot have the world's best boxer," he said.
Lewis, who was last Wednesday inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, spoke glowingly of two of his former trainers and his mother, and said he was always being asked by young boys to teach them to box and wanted to make it a reality for them.
role model
"So, I stand here as a role model for youth not just from England and Canada, but from Jamaica and after Tuesday's historic presidential win in the United States of America, I want all young people to realise that dreams belong to everyone who wants success in their endeavours.
"Obama's win has made me realise that anything is possible. I never thought a black man would become president of the United States in my lifetime, but it shows that it is ok to dream, and I am here for all children who want to achieve. It is possible to achieve your dreams," Lewis stressed.
Debra Lopez in an eye-catching strapless gown at the gala.- Photos by Barbara Ellington/Lifestyle Editor
The always-radiant Violet Lewis, wife of former heavy-weight champ Lennox Lewis.
Olivia 'Babsy' Grange (left) teaches Ambassador Charles Cobb (second left), his wife Ambassador Sue Cobb and Ambassador Anthony Johnson some of her dance moves.
Former recipient of an AFJ award, Chris Blackwell, discusses the entertainment scene with Jamaican-born writer, director and producer, Candice Vernon, at the gala.
