Most of you know about Tom’s involvement with Notre Dame Boxing and the Bengal Bouts.
In the 1950’s, the proceeds from the tournament began going to the Holy Cross Missions in Bengal, now Bangladesh. Dominic J. ‘Nappy’ Napolitano, founder of the program, captured everything that boxing at Notre Dame represents:
“STRONG BODIES FIGHT… SO THAT WEAK BODIES MAY BE NOURISHED.”
On Friday, the world lost the ‘Greatest of All Time’ – Muhammad Ali. Ali visited Notre Dame and the bouts (he lived nearby) several times over the years. We were lucky enough to meet him in 1999 – and even though he could not use his voice and body in the same way – he captivated us with his charm, generosity, confidence, wicked sense of humor, and signature magic tricks. It was a truly unforgettable experience.
Ali, the icon, who shone outside of the ring – leaves us with an enormous legacy of generosity, toughness, leadership, activism and strength of spirit.
From Tom: the only people who don’t get ‘knocked down’ are those who don’t try anything. And Ali taught us all – When you get knocked down, Get back up!
R.I.P., Champ.