Boxer Otis Grant highlights annual sports business conference
Otis Grant discussed how his athletic career at Concordia helped prepare him for his career in sports administration and education.
Corey Narsted
Concordia’s annual Diploma in Sports Administration Sport Business Conference lent the microphone and podium on March 30 to some inspiring speakers, notably Montreal boxer Otis Grant.
"We thought he embodied what we were trying to reach [in a guest], all in one," said co-organizer Mohammed Shihabeldeen.
Grant is a Concordia alumnus (BA in Recreation and Leisure ’93) and a high-profile athlete. With his gym, Grant Brothers Boxing, he has ventured into the business side of the sports world. Now in an administrative position with the Lester B. Pearson School Board, he was ranked as high as third in the world as a middleweight during his university career.
"My time at Concordia was so important to me," he told the audience. "When you’re educated, doors open for you. Nobody’s going to take that away from you. [Your education] stays with you your entire life."
He ended his speech by sharing the secret to his success, the "five Ps" he picked up from a New Jersey middle-school teacher: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.
Martin Spalding, Grand Prix of Canada general manager and also a Concordia grad, spoke of how he climbed the corporate ladder from working as a disc jockey at CHOM-FM. He also gave some insight into event management and promotion.
"If you’re risk-averse, I suggest you go work in a bank and do your 35 years," said Spalding lightheartedly. With his business, “you get to see your efforts come to light."
Grant and Spalding bookended the conference, which included several panel discussions. By day’s end, about 80 people, including volunteers and speakers, had taken part. It wrapped up with all the attendees gathering to watch the Canadiens and Ottawa Senators game.
It was the fourth annual conference of its kind. Each year, new organizers take the helm, as the DSA program can be completed in only two semesters.
"There was talk of cancelling this year’s event. We decided to step in and keep it going," said Shihabeldeen, who co-organized the conference with fellow DSA students Matt De Faria and Charles Lesieur.