It’s been a crazy last few weeks and I am writing this month’s column literally hours before going back to Limpopo province in South Africa – a mere five hours drive from Johannesburg airport after the two hour flight.
Added to that we have activity – aside from South Africa – in Namibia, Tanzania and Uganda in the next few months so the African continent is really becoming an integral part of the WBF’s constant growth.
However at this time, we are focusing on our World Convention in Slovenia in a few weeks, and having had a Skype conference call with my Executive Director Olaf Schroeder and former WBF/IBF world champion from Slovenia, the iconic Jan Zaveck, it was pleasing to hear how excited Maribor is in hosting us, and we in turn are excited to be their guests.
My personal philosophy on conventions completely mirrors that of the WBF. We want about 70 to 100 people to attend, who at the end of the convention week can truly feel that they are part of a team, that everyone knows everyone, that all delegates have had fun, shared memories, relived stories and been acknowledged.
We want authenticity and honesty, and a feeling of belonging. Too many times in the past, I have seen people going to boxing conventions and returning saying that they felt isolated and that hardly anyone knew that they were there. That’s not what the WBF is about.
As the President, it is my intention to sit down for coffee or breakfast or lunch or dinner with each and every delegate making them feel welcome, having a chat, and ensuring that they know they are an important part of the WBF family.
The Hotel Habakuk in Maribor was recently voted one of the top spa hotels in Europe and we are indeed indebted to them for hosting us. I’m guessing that many of the delegates might pass on the opportunity of some of the activities to ensure leisure time in the spa and that’s great too. We want our attendees to feel at home and comfortable and engage in all that is on offer.
Looking forward to seeing everyone in just four weeks time!
Until next time, keep boxing.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing Federation
