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The Panamanian former professional boxer and legend, Roberto Duran, recently brought smiles and motivation to a group of young athletes at the Differently Abled Champion Event. On Sunday afternoon, this past week, the St. Charles area gym in St. Louis, Missouri, named ‘The Boxing Therapy’ hosted a boxing tournament for differently abled fighters. The event celebrated neurodiversity. The event was a part of the big weekend for the gym and it hosted several events featuring boxing legends like Michael Spinks, Buster Douglas, and of course Roberto Duran.
Organized to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the event aimed to highlight inclusivity in sports while fostering a spirit of determination among differently-abled children. And El Cholo couldn’t help but join hands with the young participants gathered to show off their boxing skills.
Roberto Duran takes on Santa
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The gathering held in Missouri showcased the talent, perseverance, and courage of the young specially abled children who live around the St.Charles area. The quadruple-weight champion’s presence added an extra layer of excitement for the young children as his photos from his prime were on display on the gym walls. While there, he cheered on the young fighters, signed autographs, took pictures, and even got into a sparring session with the man in the Santa Claus costume.
A clip from this interaction was shared by Top Rank’s Instagram account. The caption read, “Life is a fight 🥊. The legendary Roberto Duran joins the kids at the St. Charles Boys and Girls Club for the Differently Abled Champions event in Missouri 🙏”
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“Let’s continue the amazing work !!, 👊🏻” he even commented on the post by Top Rank. When asked by his host at the gym to share a message before the event began, the 73-year-old responded with an inspiring note. He said in Spanish, “As always, be positive, do your best, and stay out of problems. And may the best man or woman win.”
Roberto Duran has often shown support for charities. He strongly expressed his support for athletes in overcoming personal obstacles. El Cholo’s reputation as a figure who overcame tremendous challenges in his own life still resonates with the crowd, and his support for the children was highly appreciated by the organizers.
Those who followed the event were deeply moved by the sight of these children participating in boxing as a form of therapy. Many fans took to social media to express their admiration, not only for Mr. Duran’s presence but also for the courage of the children involved.
Empowering Differently-Abled Children Through Sports
The Differently Abled Champion Event underscored the critical role of sports in empowering children with disabilities. Sporting activities help develop physical strength, boost self-esteem, and foster a sense of community. This year’s event also included workshops for parents on nurturing their children’s athletic potential, as well as sessions on overcoming social stigmas surrounding disability. Duran expressed his hope that such initiatives would become a global norm.
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The event concluded as Duran was seen giving belts to the champions. The smiles and applause reflected the joy and pride of children who had pushed themselves to new heights.
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Roberto Duran’s participation in the Differently Abled Champion Event was more than just a star appearance. Events like these serve as a crucial platform to showcase the potential of differently-abled individuals, proving that with support and determination, no barrier is insurmountable.
As society continues to move toward inclusivity, the stories and achievements of these young champions remind us of the importance of creating opportunities for all. How do you think a society can further support differently-abled children in pursuing sports?
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