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United Boxing Promotions continues to deliver unparalleled entertainment

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Photo Credit: Jeff Lockhart

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Alright, it was fight night again. “Time to get ready to witness some epic battles in the ring,” I thought to myself. I couldn’t wait to see what surprises tonight’s fights had in store. I arrived at Pickering Casino and Resort fashionably late (as usual) and took my seat amidst the sea of cheering spectators, eagerly awaiting the start of the next fight. As the lights dimmed and the next round of fighters made their entrance into the ring, I felt a surge of excitement. I knew that tonight, I was going to witness courage, determination, and the raw power of the human spirit on full display.

With each electrifying round that unfolded, I found myself fully immersed in the drama and intensity of the fights. Whether it was a fierce knockout, or a hard-fought victory, I savoured every moment, knowing that I was a part of something truly special.

United Boxing Promotions stands at the forefront of the electrifying boxing world here in Ontario, orchestrating matches that not only showcase the raw physicality and strategic brilliance of the sport, but also evoke profound emotional resonance. They remain committed to delivering unforgettable bouts, paired with their unparalleled expertise in promoting and managing top-tier talent. It cements their position as the pinnacle of the boxing business.

Through what seems like meticulous planning and execution, they have strategically brought together the perfect blend of: athleticism, intellect, and passion that defines boxing. Each match curated by United Boxing Promotions is not merely a sporting event, but a captivating saga, where competitors push themselves to the limit, engaging in a battle that transcends mere physicality.

At the heart of it all lies the deep emotional connection that boxing fosters. United Boxing Promotions understands and celebrates the profound impact that this sport has on both participants and spectators alike. From the exhilaration of victory to the resilience in defeat, every moment in the ring is imbued with the full spectrum of human emotion.

This was evident with the signing of Caribbean amateur champion Jerone Ennis who was set for his professional debut in the light heavyweight division, facing Argentina’s Marcelo ‘El Flaco’ Fernandez. At 175-lbs, he was gunning for a debut knockout, and got exactly that in the first round. I missed it, but I heard that it was show stopping. Jamaica represents every time!

Jerone Ennis, a native of Denham Town, Kingston, has big goals in the professional ranks, and hopes to follow in the footsteps of Jamaican stablemates Kemahl ‘The Hitman’ Russell and Ricardo ‘Big 12’ Brown.

I did arrive in time for the fight between Former Muay Thai World Champion Michael ‘The Spartan’ Fitzpatrick and fellow Jamaican veteran Gregory ‘Killa’ Miller. Disappointingly, Killa Miller was not at his best, and was sadly defeated by the Spartan Fitzpatrick. Mind you, there was a lot going on with that match. The Spartan came in overweight, which meant that Killa had to try to gain a certain amount of weight in a short amount of time, something that he documented on his social media pages. Did that affect his fight? It definitely could have.

Pickering resident Kyle ‘The Caveman’ McLaughlin makes his emotional Canadian debut, fighting in memory of his friend Kevin Beer against all-action Hamilton veteran Dylan ‘Destruction’ Rushton. This fight nearly didn’t happen, but thankfully, in sportsman like fashion, Dylan “Destruction” Rushton stepped in and gave the crowd the fight of the night.

From the moment the gloves touched, it was clear this wouldn’t be a bout for the faint-hearted. Both fighters exploded into action, fists flying with lightning speed. Each punch was thrown with precision, seeking to find its mark and deliver a knockout blow.

The pace was relentless, a blur of movement as they weaved and dodged, bobbing and weaving like skilled dancers in the center of the ring. The audience was on the edge of their seats, caught up in the intensity of the moment.

As the rounds ticked by, the intensity only grew. Sweat poured from their brows, their chests heaving with exertion, but still they pressed on, driven by a hunger for victory that burned deep within.

In the final moments of the fight, with the outcome hanging in the balance, they unleashed a flurry of blows that left the crowd breathless. The arena erupted into chaos as the final bell rang, signaling the end of an epic battle.

In the end, there can only be one victor, but both fighters left everything they had in the ring. It was a fight that will be remembered for years to come, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the warriors who dared to step into the arena and do battle.

The next fight was not as exciting, but still a very good match. Oshawa product ‘Bad’ Thad Buntsma has earned the largest opportunity of his career, a Co-Main Event slot against former two-division Mexican champion Luis ‘Coto’ Vidales. Thad Buntsma and Coto Vidales came out fighting, both equally skilled, but Bad Buntsma had the edge.

Finally, world-ranked Melinda ‘The Whip’ Watpool made her Main Event debut against Brazilian Olympian and former World Title Challenger Adriana ‘Pitbull’ Araujo. I will be honest with you readers, The Whip, seemed outboxed and overshadowed by her opponent. The other boxer displayed superior technique and presence in the ring, leaving a distinct impression of dominance.

Yet, despite this, the outcome didn’t reflect the evident skill gap. While it’s accepted that victories aren’t always determined solely by performance, the desire for a rematch is palpable. A second encounter would not only settle any lingering doubts, but also provide an opportunity for both fighters to showcase their abilities on an even playing field, ensuring a fair and conclusive result.

As the final bell rang and the last fight concluded, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of fulfillment. Another unforgettable night of boxing in the books, courtesy of United Boxing Promotions. What a night! United Boxing Promotions never disappoints. Can’t wait for the next one! Thankfully, I don’t have to wait long.

On Saturday April 27th, 2024, at the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, rising star Sara Haghighat-Joo looks to make history, challenging Maria Bautista for the WBA LIGHT-FLYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, and Josh “The Boss” Wagner takes on 17-1 Geronimo Vazquez for the IBF International Welterweight Title. That night will also feature:

  • Kemahl “Hitman Russell
  • Gisu “Terminator” Lee
  • Bradley “The Truth” Wilcox
  • Joshua “Hell Razor” Frazer
  • Daniel Almeida vs Drake Olchowecki

In the world of boxing, where every punch thrown carries the weight of a thousand stories, United Boxing Promotions reads as a book of boxing excellence, delivering unparalleled entertainment and leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of fans.

We, as humans are guaranteed certain things in life: stressors, taxes, bills and death are the first thoughts that pop to mind. It is not uncommon that many people find a hard time dealing with these daily life stressors, and at times will find themselves losing control over their lives. Simone Jennifer Smith’s great passion is using the gifts that have been given to her, to help educate her clients on how to live meaningful lives. The Hear to Help Team consists of powerfully motivated individuals, who like Simone, see that there is a need in this world; a need for real connection. As the founder and Director of Hear 2 Help, Simone leads a team that goes out into the community day to day, servicing families with their educational, legal and mental health needs.Her dedication shows in her Toronto Caribbean newspaper articles, and in her role as a host on the TCN TV Network.

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Community News

Record entries for JCDC FiWi Short Film Competition

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Winner of the 2023 staging of the JCDC FiWi Short Film Competition ,Joel Miller, (third from left), shares a moment with representatives of the Jamaica Cultural |Development Commission (JCDC), organizers of the event. From left are Shaun Drysdale – Drama and Theatre Arts Development Specialist, Andrew Brodber – Director, Arts Development and Training and Executive Director, Lenford Salmon.

BY RUSHANE FERRON

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has received an unprecedented number of submissions for this year’s FiWi Short Film Competition. Launched earlier this year, the competition drew an impressive 47 entries. Currently, 17 shortlisted films are available for public viewing on the JCDC’s YouTube channel, with winners set to be announced on October 24th.

Executive Director of the JCDC, Mr. Lenford Salmon, expressed pride in the competition’s growing success, stating, “This record number of entries reflects how Jamaicans are embracing the programmes offered by the JCDC. While the Commission is well known for preserving and showcasing our culture, we also recognize the importance of using technology to engage, particularly with our youth. The FiWi Short Film Competition is a perfect example of how we can bring our culture to life in the digital age. The fact that it’s four years old and already experiencing this level of growth is a promising sign for the future.”

Drama and Theatre Arts Development Specialist at the JCDC, Mr. Shaun Drysdale, attributes this year’s spike in entries to the increasing interest in filmmaking, fueled by the proliferation of social media platforms that support storytelling through visuals.

We are living in a digital age. Filmmaking is now in the hands of the average person on the street via his, or her cell phone. Add to that the inherent creativity of Jamaicans and you are left with a potent combination, which when given the correct environment, can reap tangible rewards. That is what we are experiencing at this time,” Mr. Drysdale said.

The JCDC FiWi Short Film Competition seeks to promote Jamaican culture through the production of films ranging from 3-5 minutes in duration. The films must be based on set criteria, and primarily centred around a Jamaican proverb.

This year’s proverbs are: “Sweet mout fly follow coffin go a hole”; “Puss nuh hab han, but him tek him foot wipe him face”; “Keep clear a ole house, les dem fall dung pon you”; “Rockstone a riber bottom nuh feel sun hot”; and “Finger tink, yuh cyan cut eh trow ‘wey”.

In addition to the proverbs, participants were also given two special themes around which to build the treatment of their films, based on concepts provided by two sponsors. These are: “SEAS IN FOCUS: Uniting for marine managed areas”- National Conservation Trust Fund of Jamaica (NCTFJ) and “Need a passport quick, Get it with just a click”- Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA).

Mr. Drysdale further noted that this year’s shortlisted films represent a variety of the possible genres with eleven dramatic works, two animation films, one comedy, one documentary and two science fiction films. Three of the participants are from the youth category, which is for filmmakers between 12-18 years old and the remaining 14 from adult category.

In addition to viewing the short films online, the public will have an opportunity to view at a special screening to be held on National Heroes’ Day, Monday, October 21st, 2024, as a feature of JCDC National Heritage Fest and Family Fun Day being held on the south lawn at Devon House in St Andrew.

The FiWi Short Film Competition was started by the JCDC in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The competition is the brainchild of the JCDC’s Drama and Theatre Arts Unit and encourages Jamaican amateur filmmakers to examine selected Jamaican proverbs and based on their interpretation create the treatment for a short film.

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York Catholic is leading the province in educational achievement

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BY PAUL JUNOR

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO), which administers the Grade 3, 6 and 9 assessments across Ontario and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), recently released the 2024 results. For many schools across the province, EQAO results are a snapshot of how students are doing compared to their peers in other schools at the same grade level.

The York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) has maintained a high level of consistency with respect to the outstanding performance of its students on the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). In a media release on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, details were revealed about the positive achievements and exemplary accomplishments of its students.

EQAO results were released on September 26th, 2024. The focus was, “Mathematics Achievement Remains an Area of Focus but Sees Gradual Growth Over Time with Some School Boards Showing Significant Increases; Literacy Achievement Remains High but Shows Some Decline.” The data was based on the 2023-2024 school year during which over 570,000 students wrote the EQAO assessments at the elementary and secondary levels on the English and French-language school systems.

For students who wrote the Grade 3 Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics:

  • 71% met the provincial standard in reading compared to 73% in 2022-2023, and 73% in 2021-2022.
  • 64% of Grade 3 students met the provincial standard in writing, compared to 65% in 2022-2023 and 65% in 2021-2022.
  • 61% of Grade 3 students met the provincial standard in mathematics, compared to 60% in 2022-2023 and 59% in 2021-2022.

For students who wrote the Grade 6 Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics:

  • 82% met the provincial standard in reading, compared to 84% in 2022-2023 and 85% in 2021-2022.
  • 80% met the provincial standard in writing, compared to 84% in 2022-2023, and 84% in 2021-2022.
  • 50% met the provincial standard in mathematics, compared to 50% in 2022-2023 and 47 % in 2021-2022.

For students who wrote the Grade 9 Assessment in Mathematics:

  • 54% met the provincial standard, compared to 54% in 2022-2023 and 52% in 2021-2022.

For students who wrote the Grade 10 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT):

  • 85% of first-time eligible students were successful, compared to 85% in 2022-23 and 82% in 2021-2022.
  • 52% of previously eligible students were successful in 2023-2024, compared to 63% in 2022-2023 and 85% in 2021-2022.

John De Faveri, Interim Director of Education of the YCDSB writes, “We are always looking for ways to provide a better school experience, but today is a time to celebrate our students and staff for their excellent academic achievement. I want to particularly highlight the incredible work that is being done in mathematics, which we see in these results. Mathematical literacy is such an important life skill and we are happy to share a love of numbers with our students.”

Results from the Grade 3, 6 and 9 EQAO Mathematics results show improvement in Mathematics compared to 2023. In addition, with respect to reading and writing results for Grade 6 there has been a consistent steady upward rise in the performance of students as 89% and 90% of students met or exceeded provincial standards when compared to the province’s average of 82% and 89%.

Elizabeth Crowe, Chair of the Board of Trustees for YCDSB states, “EQAO results are just one of the ways we see how York Catholic is leading the province in educational achievement. As a Catholic learning community, we want to see every child succeed and EQAO results help us measure our progress toward that noble goal.”

Overall, the percentage of students who participated from YCDSB in Grade 3 and 6 EQAO were 97% and 98%, respectively. For Grade 9 Math assessment there were 93% of eligible students and 97% in the OSSLT.

Any parents or guardians interested in learning about the 2024 EQAO and OSSLT results and individual school results for their children can check the EQAO’s website: https://www.eqao.com/results/.

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York Catholic District School Board plans open house for future high school students

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Credits: Pch.Vector

BY PAUL JUNOR

There is: planning, preparation, and organization that parents, guardians and caregivers must make in York Region as they prepare their children for high school. For those who chose to send them to a high school at the Catholic board, there are open houses planned to make this process easier to navigate.

In a press release on Thursday, October 10th, 2024, details were revealed about these open houses. It notes, “The open houses will highlight key aspects of each school, including administration, programs, graduation requirements, uniforms, school structure, student opportunities and more. In addition, information about the registration process, including registration dates, deadlines and documents needed to enroll, will be discussed.

The media release mentioned the seven regional programs, and ten Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) programs. They include:

Advanced Placement

Programs with an extended and enriched curriculum allow students to earn credits or advanced standing at most universities.

English as a Second Language

(ESL) and English Literacy Development (ELD)

English as a Second Language and English Literacy Development programs assist English language learners from diverse linguistic and education backgrounds in attaining English language proficiency.

French Immersion (FI)

Students who completed the Elementary French Immersion programs, or equivalent can continue with the immersion program to earn a French immersion certificate upon graduation.

High Performer Athlete (HPA)

An academic-based program for student-athletes participating in competitive-level athletics. Students benefit from a flexible timetable to help balance their academic and athletic commitments and earn high school credits for the work they put into their training.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

A rigorous and intellectually challenging pre-university course of study that allows students to earn an IB Diploma upon graduation, recognized in Canada and abroad.

Regional Arts (RAP)/Integrated Regional Arts Program(iRAP)

Students specialize in drama, dance, visual arts, digital media arts, instrumental music, or vocal music- while obtaining their high school diploma. In the iRAP, students experience their learning through an integrated model where the curriculum is explored in relation to the interconnectedness of the individual, the community, and the world.

STREAM Program

Students explore real-world challenges and use the design thinking process to develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills, guided by the traditional Catholic social teachings. This academic program uses an interdisciplinary approach to inquiry and problem-based learning.

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)

Students can obtain a diploma with a specialist in either: Arts and Culture; Aviation and Aerospace; Business; Health and Wellness; Hospitality and Tourism; Information and Communication Technology; Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services, Manufacturing; or Non-Profit. Every YCDSB school offers a SHSM program.

Parents or guardians who live in York Region and are interested in any programs can check: Website: www.ycdsb.ca

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