GEORGE CHUVALO BRINGS HIS FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS TO CONNE RIVER

Boxing legend George Chuvalo visited students at St. Anne's school in
Conne River in November to talk about the fight against drugs. He was
invited by Chief Misel Joe of the Miaupukek Band, and the trip was
supported by Health Canada and the RCMP. The St. Anne's Mi'Kmaw Choir
and Drummers treated him to a musical performance before he spoke.
After his presentation, he signed autographs for students and adults
and toured Conne River.

Chuvalo was the reigning Canadian Heavyweight Boxing Champion for 21
years, from 1958 until 1979. Ranked in the top 10 if the world for
much of his career, Chuvalo faced many of the best fighters of the
20th century: Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Floyd Patterson, Ernie
Terrell, Joe Frazier, Jerry Quarry and many others.

Chuvalo retired from boxing in 1979 as the undisputed heavyweight
champion of Canada. In 1990, he was inducted into the Canadian Sports
Hall of Fame.

After his boxing career, Chuvalo took various parts in a number of
movies, including "The Fly," "Prom Night 3," "The Untouchables" and,
most recently, "Dirtyworks."

Today, Chuvalo speaks to students, parents and groups about drugs and
how they have affected his life. He lost three sons and a wife as a
result of substance abuse. His graphic recollection of events and his
expressive nature enable him to convey his powerful message. The
feedback he receives has been positive, appreciative and encouraging.
Being a father to drug addicted sons provides him with the insight and
wisdom required to capture any listener. His presentations are in
demand from coast to coast. He deglamourizes drug use by giving
examples of what he has witnessed first hand - for instance, that
addicts always begin with experimentation. He also stresses that the
majority of crimes are committed as a result of substance abuse. In
most cases, addicts turn into criminals - criminals don't turn into
addicts.

For more information on Conne River, see www.mrngov.ca; for more
information on Chuvalo's fight against drugs, go to
www.fightagainstdrugs.ca