JOHN ABBOTT COLLEGE
John Abbott College Student Receives Prestigious Grant from Aléo Foundation and Georges St-Pierre Foundation

Talia Birch, a promising 18-year-old boxer from Vaudreuil-Dorion, has been selected as one of the recipients of the prestigious grant program by the Aléo Foundation in collaboration with the Georges St-Pierre Foundation. Talia's dedication and remarkable talent in boxing have earned her this esteemed recognition.

Talia Birch, currently pursuing her second year in science at John Abbott College, embarked on her boxing journey just two years ago with the aim of improving her fitness. However, her passion for the sport quickly grew, leading her to achieve remarkable success in a short span. In March 2023, Talia clinched the gold medal in the under-53 kg category at the Canada Games, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.

Her passion and commitment have not gone unnoticed. Otis Grant, a legendary figure in the boxing community who works closely with the Aléo Foundation, recommended Talia Birch for the grant, recognizing her as the perfect candidate for support. Talia expressed her gratitude regarding the $4,000 award stating, "I'm so grateful for their support. It allows me to take the next step in my boxing career by helping with the financial burden that comes with competition at this level."

The grant ceremony was held on January 16 at La maison des loisirs et du sports in Montreal, where Talia had the opportunity to meet Georges St-Pierre in person.

Describing the encounter, she said, "He was super cool, very down to earth. He told me to follow my dreams." St-Pierre's words of encouragement resonated deeply with Talia, who continues to pursue her ambitions relentlessly.

Despite many challenges, including limited opportunities for fights due to the scarcity of female competitors in her category, Talia remains undeterred. Her determination has seen her participate in various tournaments, including the Provincial Golden Gloves and competitions in the United States and Poland.

Looking ahead, Talia remains focused on her goals. While she may have missed out on the Olympic qualifiers this time around, her spirit remains unbroken. To young athletes inspired by her journey, she says, "Hard work beats talent every time, and as long as you keep working, you can do anything."

The Aléo Foundation and Georges St-Pierre Foundation continue to demonstrate their commitment to nurturing young talent and providing the support they need to excel. Through initiatives like the grant program, they empower individuals like Talia Birch to pursue their dreams and make a mark in the world of sports.