It is not very often I get the opportunity to meet a world champion, but I had the privilege in doing so last week.
Reaching the pinnacle of a chosen field – no matter what the skill – is always impressive, as it requires sheer determination and dedication. That is why I invited our very own world champion Lee Selby to meet with me in Parliament to learn more about his road to success.
Within seconds of meeting Lee, I realised what a gentleman he was despite being a newly crowned world champion. He has such an interesting and inspiring story to tell, and importantly, he wants to use his success to inspire other young children in Barry and beyond.
Boxing is so much more than a sport – I was fascinated and delighted to learn that a boxing club I know well in Rhoose has played such an important role in the development of Lee Selby. Last summer I visited Michael ‘Barry Bomber’ Smyth and his talented group of young boxers in Rhoose. It was fantastic to meet such passionate volunteers in Michael and Lee Barratt, and such disciplined young boxers. Mr Smyth was an incredibly talented boxer himself, and now Rhoose Boxing Club can lay claim to helping produce a champion on the world stage.
Boxing, indeed any sport, offers a fantastic grounding for young children – it teaches discipline, teamwork and a positive focus. These are all skills that can be taken into later life, and you can see by the way Lee Selby conducts himself in and outside the ring that it works. He is a humble champion.
It was a hectic week for Lee, but I was delighted to see so many Barry residents turn out for the parade on Saturday. He has really made the town of Barry proud, and we have agreed to work together to take the positive benefits of boxing to the wider community in the Vale.
If you have the opportunity to visit Rhoose Boxing Club to learn more about boxing, please do so – they are a friendly bunch who do so much for the local community. Visit www.rhooseboxingclub.co.uk