fighting irish.

Last night I went to the Bengal Bouts Championships at the JACC ... I think the story of Bengal Bouts gives a whole new meaning to the term "Fighting Irish."

Then:

Organized boxing was started in 1920 by football coach Knute Rockne, but the event did not become known as Bengal Bouts in 1931 when it took on the purpose of raising funds for the Holy Cross Missions in Bangladesh. Coach Dominic "Nappy" Napolitano served as coach and director of Bengal Bouts for nearly 50 years and his words became the motto for the bouts:

"Strong bodies fight, that weak bodies may be nourished"

The Congregation of Holy Cross began its missions to East Bengal, India in 1853 under the invitation of Pope Pius IX. Beginning in 1931, the money raised has supported these missions to India. They have established and supported medical facilities, as well as elementary and secondary schools. These missions also include extensive outreach programs that assist the poor throughout the country. This includes everything from literacy training to medical care to occupational instruction. Needless to say, the money raised from Bengal Bouts is truly making a difference.

Now:

After attending the championships last night, I was very intrigued as to where the money they earned actually went. During my search, I crossed paths with the blog of a fellow domer. He was a Bengal Bouts competetor who is currently in Bangladesh, trying to learn more about where the money they raised goes. I read this post and was absolutely fascinated at the amount of good that a boxing tournament is doing:

"Today, on campus at Notre Dame, is the start of the 78th annual Bengal Bouts tournament. Even though I’m thousands of miles away from the ring, I’m as close to the action as you can get.


The Bengal Bouts are a series of charity boxing matches where the proceeds from those matches come right here to Bangladesh. Ever since I’ve landed in Bangladesh, nine months ago, I’ve been trying to find out where that money goes. It’s been a long journey - literally and figuratively, I feel like I’ve gone through hell and high water to get to this point. Floods, riots, curfews, Cyclone, Sidr, food poisoning, hospitalization of a family member, dealing with corrupt officials, dealing with a water crisis - jeez, it feels like the list never ends. Each time some new problem came up, my Bengal Bouts journey took a back seat.


I guess it’s just sheer luck that, when I was finally able to embark upon my journey to see where some of the Bengal Bouts money is being spent, it happened to coincide with the beginning of this school year’s tournament. My trip to Jalchatra (where I got to meet the tribal people known as The Garo) is but one of seven locations in this country that receive funding from the Bengal Bouts. It really seems like Bengal Bouts money goes to every corner of this country. I’d love to track it all and show what happens at each of the seven locations. Unfortunately, my outside-of-Dhaka travel resources are fairly limited (especially since I carry around all this camera and computer equipment wherever I go). For now, it’s my hope the few days I spent in Jalchatra can help shed a light for my friends back home about the good they are doing in this country.


It’s a good feeling to know that, while I am here trying to fight poverty on the ground, there are 185 of my fellow Irishmen back at Notre Dame fighting alongside with me. Fortunately, for me, my way doesn’t involve that many bruises."

Again, I am truly amazed at the people I am surrounded by. They take part in this tournament for something bigger than themselves. This inspires me to do more, to make a difference, and to remember what it means to be part of the Fighting Irish community.