New Chair Appointed to Nova Scotia Boxing Authority

Nova Scotia's boxing community has scored a knockout win with the appointment of a new chair to the Nova Scotia Boxing Authority. Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald has appointed Michael "Mickey" MacDonald to take over for Dick MacLean who has completed his second two-year term.

"I thank Mr. MacLean for his service, and for the leadership and commitment he has shown the boxing community in his two terms," said Mr. MacDonald. "Following Mr. MacLean is Mickey MacDonald, and we are excited to have Mickey assume the position of chair."

Mickey is an avid boxer who has sparred with many of Halifax's best professionals.

"Mickey will not only bring a fresh perspective and new set of ideas to the boxing authority but he has a proven ability to lead and build partnerships," said Mr. MacDonald. "He has been a champion in the business world and has also given generously of his time and his resources to the community."

Mickey volunteers with Feed Nova Scotia, and has been a consistent supporter of the IWK Hospital and the Nova Scotia Schools Athletic Federation.

He is currently the CEO of Atlantic Mobility Products in Bedford, as well as owner and president of Micco Developments, a Halifax company that deals with residential land development and real estate rentals. Among other careers, Mr. MacDonald also spent time as a firefighter with the Halifax Fire Department.

Mickey has been awarded a place in Atlantic Business's Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada four years in a row. He also helped lead Down East Communications to a title as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies in 2002 and 2003.

"I'm honoured to be given the opportunity to chair the Nova Scotia Boxing Authority. It's been a great passion of mine and I will do everything I can to see that more opportunities are available for boxers, both professional and amateur, in Nova Scotia," said Mickey.

During Mr. MacLean's time as chair, the Nova Scotia Boxing Authority made financial contributions to various amateur boxing clubs throughout Nova Scotia. These clubs were able to provide a better experience for youth interested in boxing. Funds were used to purchase better equipment for women entering the sport; to support promotional campaigns that resulted in expanded membership; to support amateurs with an opportunity to travel and compete on a provincial level; and to subsidize registration fees for disadvantaged youth.

One of Mr. MacLean's greatest achievements was the revision of Nova Scotia's boxing regulations. The revised rules have been modernized and clarified for the benefit of future boxers and promoters of the sport.

The Nova Scotia Boxing Authority supervises and regulates professional and amateur boxing in the province, establishes and enforces uniform rules for the conduct of boxing, provides for the licensing of persons engaged in or connected with the presentation of boxing exhibitions or contests, enforces proper medical standards and provides medical examinations.