Former Canadian heavyweight boxing champion George Chuvalo thrilled a packed crowd of more than 300 Thursday morning at the 7th Annual Breakfast of Champions at the Red Deer Lodge.

The event was sponsored by the Alberta Sport Development Centre.

During the breakfast meeting Chuvalo, 73, delivered a 45-minute motivational speech on his career, and the value that boxing and athletics had for him.

“George’s candour and experience from life from the post boxing career translates him to be a great motivational speaker,” said Mike Klass, executive director of the centre. “We were at the Red Deer Boxing Club Wednesday night and we had a great night with their group.

“All of the athletes and coaches there were thoroughly impressed with him. He is supremely detailed and a great ambassador for boxing for Canada.”

Officials from the centre also introduced 47 elite young amateur athletes to the community. The athletes were selected from 23 different sports representing 13 communities in Central Alberta. The selections include provincial champions or those that have had national and international success.

For the next year the centre will support the athletes in various ways, from nutrition advice, sports psychology counselling, strengthening and conditioning support, performance testing, injury prevention, media training, and help in selecting the best post secondary education choices.

For more on Chuvalo’s visit to Red Deer read the Oct. 27 Express.

jbachusky@reddeerexpress.com