Page 40 - Sports Energey News - Issue No 99, Cornwall, Mike Piquette

40 Issue #99 March 2021 www.sportsenergynews.com

Archie’s Open for Cuba Boxing –

2021 Golf Season A Space of Dreams

By Victoria Klassen
realities faced by so many through this of metal and cement dumbbells also fill
pandemic.” the space. The cemented foundation of
rchie’s opened on March 21 during
Aone of the warmest opening weeks Some of Archie’s COVID-19 policies the space is well worn, with cracks in in
in history. Owner Carol Ann Campbell include masks required indoors on the some spots. It is rustic, old school, and
said this is very exciting since last season property and anytime social distancing By Jorge Luis makeshift - in short, a true boxing gym.
they were not able to open until late May cannot be maintained, masks are required My kind of place I must say. It is from
due to Covid-19 restrictions. while standing in line, both indoors and gyms such as these that some fabulous
outdoors, equipment is not being lent out boxers come, molded under hot sun with
Something new this year is that adult for the driving range, putters provided hard work and dedication.
visitors at Archie’s can now enjoy an
alcoholic beverage while visiting. for mini golf are thoroughly sanitized ello fight fans. I hope everyone As we walked around, we observed
after each use, and the driving range His doing well and coping with a punching drills being done on the row
“We received our liquor license in the balls are cleaned in a bleach solution. COVID -19 world of restrictions. With of punching bags. In the ring, the coach
fall of 2020, but with everything going on “I’d just like, once again, to thank all the travel restrictions that have been worked with the youngsters using well-
I decided to sit on it until we reopened in Cornwall and surrounding communities imposed on us, I am reminded of a trip worn hand pads and sparring took place.
2021. With a ‘golf course endorsement’, I took to Cuba with my then girlfriend, I saw young men training barefoot on
visitors can enjoy their favourite bevvy for the incredible support they have Elaine (now my wife). the cement. Boxers jogged around the
while playing the par 3, mini putt, or bestowed upon us over the years,” said perimeter of the yard, skipped rope,
while on the range. We have a variety of Carol Ann. “2020 was my 20th year It was in February of 2013. We stayed punched on the bags, many of them
of ownership and there were so many
options including beer, coolers, and wine special events planned, all of which had in beautiful Veradero, known for some barefoot. They worked hard and sweated,
available,” said Carol Ann. of Cuba’s finest beaches. We took a tour with smiles on their faces. Happy to be
to be shelved due to COVID. We’ve still bus daytrip to Havana, about a 1.5hr – 2
Last year, golfing became popular as got plenty of exciting things planned and hr. drive. After visiting some historical there and happy to have a place to train.
an outdoor activity to get some exercise will roll them out when it’s safe to do sites, Old Havana, and famous hotels A place to dream, a dream that one day,
during the pandemic. so.” built by American mobsters, we last they too could be a regional or national

“We are very fortunate to be able to For more information and updates visited a famous cigar factory and a rum champion, a dream that one day they
too could represent their country in the
offer a safe, outdoor, family-friendly on Archie’s, follow them on Facebook factory. After visiting the cigar factory Olympics.
environment where people can relax a (Archie’s) or on Instagram (@ (where, by the way, I purchased some
little, get some fresh air, and have a few archiesgolf). In April, Archie’s is freshly made cigars, much to the chagrin The role models hung on the wall of
laughs,” said Carol Ann. “We hope to launching a new website which can be of our tour guide), we then proceeded the office, heroes of the past like Teofilo
provide a short escape from all the harsh found at www.archiescornwall.com. by bus to the rum distillery. Not being Stevenson (who sometimes stopped by
a drinker, I had no interest in visiting to watch training), paved the way for the
the factory; however, I recognized the youngsters Elaine and I watched. They
neighborhood from a previous trip. I showed that dreams can come true if you
Sports Energy knew there was a famous Cuban Boxing work hard and dedicate yourself. They
showed it does not matter where you
Club not far away.
I asked directions from some locals come from, it’s what you do with what
Greater Cornwall & Areas Community Sports Newspaper you have. These past heroes showed
and hired a bicycle taxi to take Elaine
Would like to thank all our advertisers, and I there. Within 10 minutes, we were that if you believe you can do it, you can
make it happen. Many boxers did and
at the Rafael Trejo Boxing Gym. The
who have teamed up with us to share some Rafael Trejo Boxing Gym has produced continue to achieve in Cuba.

remarkable, positive local sports success some of Cuba’s finest boxers and has Cuba has garnered more medals
events such as regional championships in Olympic boxing than any other
stories, from all ages, young and old. and even national championships held country in the world. Young people are
there. The gym is located outdoors, taught to work hard and have belief.
To Advertise in Sports Energy, please make between 3 other buildings. At the Unbelievably, mental health centers are
entrance is a small office on the right, non-existent in Cuba, yet it is poor, and
contact with our sales team today. its walls adorned with pictures of great the US continues to impose unwarranted
Cuban boxers who have trained there sanctions upon the country because of
Gord Shaver Mike Piquette or have boxed there: pictures of 3-time politics. But, somehow, the Cubans
Olympic super heavyweight Gold adapt and overcome. They survive
medalist, Teofilo Stevenson, 2-time and, when given the opportunities, they
Olympic Gold medalist, Guillermo thrive. It’s an amazing place, populated
Rigondeaux (whom Tiny Luis did 2 by amazing people.
training camps with as his chief sparring Considering the times we are living
partner), and Felix Savon, three-time in, we can learn from the Cubans. They
Olympic Gold medalist heavyweight.
can survive anything and always look at
The outdoor gym has a dilapidated the bright side and come up on their feet.
old boxing ring, bleachers on both ends Once on their feet, they dance and move
of the gym (where spectators sit for forward. T’s a good way to embrace
events), and a row of steel hooks with life, no? Life is a fight, embrace it - and
613-362-8004 613-662-3654 some new, but mostly old stuffed army dance!
gordshaver@hotmail.com mike@sportsenergynews.com duffel bags which serve as heavy bags. A Yours in youth and sport,
couple of chin-up bars welded to the ring Jorge Luis
“Please support our Advertisers” posts, a couple of old benches with some Head Coach Champs Eastside Boxing
makeshift bars, and an odd assortment Club