​Recently, at Bishop P. F. Reding Catholic Secondary School in Milton, Canadian boxing legend George Chuvalo spoke the Grade 10 & 11 students about the dangers of substance abuse. The presentation was organized by Mr. Poletto, Acting Department Head of Technology at the school.

Mr. Chuvalo's presentation began with a 20 minute video presentation about his life. Mr. Chuvalo kept the 750 students and staff in awe, as he recounted the story of his personal triumphs in the boxing ring against legends such as Joe Frazier, Jerry Quarry, and of course, the two famous fights versus the one and only Mohammed Ali.

George Chuvalo holds the distinction of being the Canadian Boxing Heavyweight Champion for 21 years and was never knocked down in 97 professional fights. He recalled one of the famous Ali fights, “He went to the hospital while my wife and I went dancing,” which got a real laugh from the audience.

During his moving presentation to students, Mr. Chuvalo shared his personal family tragedies. The eyes of the students and staff were glued to Mr. Chuvalo, as he talked about the rampant drug abuse three of his son’s suffered with during their teens and early twenties. All three eventually died from either a drug overdose or suicide due to drug abuse. Also Mr. Chuvalo recounted how his wife committed suicide from the heartbreak only a mother could feel. He shared how it became difficult to even breathe and make sense of these tragedies, and how difficult it was for him to move forward in his own life.

He shared his personal story, to help students understand the dangers of substance abuse, and the importance of taking care of themselves, both physically and emotionally. He was very convincing on how a simple thing such as smoking cigarettes can lead to other forms of drug use, because he reasoned, “that if you disrespect your body with cigarettes, it makes it easier to disrespect your body at a higher level.”

At the end of the presentation, Mr. Chuvalo signed autographed pictures for both students and staff. He was very gracious, humble and willing to answer any questions. Though his life has had the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, Mr. Chuvalo continues to show amazing courage by talking to students about the dangers of substance abuse. He is a truly inspirational person and great Canadian!