Fighters at New York WBC Cares Bash!

December 8, 2011 By Michele Chong

Boxers Greet 150 Orphans and Foster Kids

In this holiday season of giving, there’s no better feeling than bringing a smile to a child’s face. And if this child is an underprivileged orphan, a smile can do wonders for the soul.

Say what you will about boxers, but for every egotistical money-grubbing brute, there are countless other fighters that humbly and graciously give back to the community.

This story is about a recent event helmed by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and their WBC Cares program which helps spread goodwill to children around the world. Jose Sulaiman and Mauricio Sulaiman’s famed organization provides a global effort to work with nonprofits and charities in bringing plenty of care and smiles to children in various countries. “Big Champions Supporting Little Champions” is the motto they support. And lending their championship fists in support were boxers Edgar Santana, Mark Breland, Iran Barkley, Brian Cohen and Ronica Jeffrey, who all gave their time to visit with the kids during a special East Coast bash for the tots.

I caught up with WBCares Chairperson who helped plan this fiesta. Jill Diamond has been a champion in her cause of assisting the youth in and around the boxing universe. She is a dedicated and integral part of the WBC kids’ charity organization as well as playing a pivotal role in the North American Boxing Federation (NABF).

Lending her support to these worthwhile causes, the tall blonde beauty continues to rally the troops in visiting children in need around the world.

This latest stop was closer to home and took place in New York.

With the famed green and gold WBC belt gleaming in front of them, over 150 children took part in this special “100 Scholars” event.

“This was at the Mott Haven Academy; this is the first magnet school of the NY Foundling Program,” Jill tells me. “They are orphans and children from foster homes. The program is called “100 Scholars” and our topic was Healthy Living.”

Besides fighters Santana, Breland, Barkley, Jeffrey and Cohen, other boxing notables joined in the festivities. Referee Sparkle Lee, Coach Sean Connolly, amateur fighter/photographer Christy Cappillino, and Dr. Pietro Baio also joined forces during the celebration.

The WBC Cares crew gave the kiddies stuffed animals and certificates signed by the champs.

“There were over 150 children and they danced for us!” Jill marveled. “Events like these are always gratifying.”

With championship belts and Cleto-Reyes boxing gloves in the background, the youngsters were the top priority on this day.

And through the sport of boxing, Diamond and her league of WBC Cares Ambassadors of champs can get the message sent that there is hope for these needy children. Those in the sweet science can spread the word and speak volumes in helping others less fortunate.

“As a group, I think we have used our platform to do more individual good than almost any other sport,” Jill mentions. “We are doers, not talkers. There is a sense of truth and hope when our athletes and officials speak; and boxers are generous by nature. I am proud of my association. I am proud of you, Michele. You are a light.”

Shining bright herself is Jill Diamond. This WBC caregiver continues to build a legacy through the WBC’s charitable efforts benefiting at-risk children who need it the most.

And next week, the nonstop Diamond will be greeting champions, delegates and fans from around the world at the annual WBC World Convention where the WBC Cares mission will continue. The 49th Annual Convention will be held in Las Vegas, the Mecca of boxing. Jill is looking forward to this mega event with an endless list of superstars planning to converge in one place, at one time.

“I’m looking forward to seeing my ‘family’–all the wonderful, crazy and diverse mix of people involved in this sport!” she says.

Amidst the bright lights and 24/7 buzz of the hard-hitting city, look for Jill. She will be one of the brightest “Diamond” in the bunch.

Happy Holidays to all!

Photos courtesy of Jill Diamond/ WBCares/ Christy Cappillino