*** UPDATE! READ: VENUE CHANGE FOR 2019 WBF CONVENTION *** Yes, of course I know that the convention is still almost five months away, but I cannot stop getting both excited and enthusiastic about the World Boxing Federation (WBF) family getting together in Oberhausen in November.
It is a convention that will be in honor of the late Olaf Schroeder, but at the same time there will be serious discussions regarding all aspects of WBF boxing with the idea of moving forward positively and becoming bigger and better, while maintaining our philosophy of honesty, integrity and transparency.
But equally important is the getting together of the WBF family and friends. Having a coffee (or whiskey in many cases) with friends. Smiling and laughing and sharing stories of the past, while looking forward to stories of the future.
It is so pleasing to have so many positive people in the WBF – people willing to smile and laugh not only at other people but at themselves as well. One thinks back to the last convention with several WBF members singing in the streets of Slovenia.
Bruce Baker having a coffee with me that soon turned into a few whiskeys. The list of characters in our organization goes on and on but there is a common denominator – having fun, enjoying life and commitment to the WBF.
During the past few years, Olaf and I in our daily Skype sessions would smile and laugh, being so proud of the characters in our organization. The philosophy of the WBF will never change as we move forward – the integrity remains ingrained as our motto.
The truth is that without all the members of our WBF family, we would not survive. The convention, while we will honor and remember Olaf – is about more. It is about a collective group of individuals who work together for a common cause. A group of individuals who have fun and who remain positive in sometimes difficult circumstances.
It is this group of individuals whose convention this is, and deservedly so. I look forward to seeing you all again soon in Oberhausen.
On a separate note, I would like to pay tribute to Chris Roesen who has assumed the position of Executive Director with great enthusiasm and commitment. It is people like Chris that add huge value to the WBF, and my thanks and gratitude go to Chris for his efforts.
He will be the chief coordinator of the convention and I’m sure he will, together with our team, make it a most memorable convention.
Until next time, keep punching.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing Federation
