Boxing referee touched by award

By TODD DEWEY

VIEW STAFF WRITER

Richard Steele has been in the middle of some of the biggest boxing matches of all time. However, he gets more satisfaction from helping kids at his gym in North Las Vegas than he ever did from refereeing classic fights such as Marvin Hagler vs. Thomas Hearns.

Steele, who offers free boxing lessons and more at his Nevada Partners boxing gym, was recently honored for his work with disadvantaged youth by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at their "Sharing the Victory" awards banquet.

"Each year, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes selects an individual who has distinguished him or herself in the athletic world and made significant community contributions," said Jim Southworth, director of the FCA. "Most important is the positive impact the honoree has made upon the lives of young people. Richard Steele clearly epitomizes all these qualities with his work with the youth who train in the Nevada Partners boxing gym in North Las Vegas.

"Many young people have responded to his guidance and counsel as he endeavors to help them avoid the many problems that young people experience today. He has impacted the lives of many young people as he has guided them in their moral, spiritual and athletic development."

Steele said the honor meant more to him than any title fight he has worked.

"It's not about how many title fights I have refereed. The awards ceremony was about how many people I can help and that's why it means more to me than any other award," he said. "To me it was a great honor because it was from people who have the same belief system and that is what is more important to me than anything else.

"We say in the Christian faith that only what you do for Christ will last, and I really believe that. That is the most important thing and that is working with your fellow man and helping your fellow man. And when you're doing that, you're working as a servant, and God is always going to take care of you," he said. "And that's what the whole thing is about -- serving your fellow man."

Steele opened the Nevada Partners gym five years ago. It is free and open to all people ages 8 to 28. Those interested can call 399-5627. There are currently more than 60 kids in the program.

"Boxing is the carrot that brings them in, but once I get them here, it's my duty as a Christian to try to help them, not only in boxing, but in everyday life," Steele said. "If it means making sure they have shelter, food, and all the necessary things all kids need to be productive citizens in the community, that's what I'm all about."

Several other individuals were honored at the second annual FCA awards banquet, which was held at Central Christian Church.

For the first time, the FCA presented "Athlete of the Year" awards to eight high school seniors: -- Shane Bangle and Amy Griewe of Durango, Jamar Jordan and Michaela Noval of Green Valley, Knut Hoeversten and Antonia Barrett of Faith Lutheran, and Daniel McConnell and Holly Hutchins of Trinity Christian.

"These students received the award because of their outstanding achievements in athletics and academics, along with the high moral example they live in front of their peers on campus," Southworth said.