Retired boxer Alex Leapai eager to speak to Logan school students about drugs

RETIRED boxer and Logan sporting icon Alex Leapai has put his hand up to work with the city’s youth in an effort to combat drugs.

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RETIRED boxer Alex Leapai is eager to speak to Logan school students as part of the war on drugs.

As reported in last week’s Albert & Logan News, drug offences in Logan City have risen from 27,581 in 2010 to 36,677 in 2015.

Asked about possible ­solutions to the scourge of drugs, the city’s top cop, Chief Superintendent Marty Mickelson, said education of youth was one of the keys.

Maori Wardens founder Rawiri Toko echoed Chief Supt Mickelson’s comments and said getting high-profile Logan athletes such as ­Mr Leapai and Cameron Smith to speak to school students on the dangers of drugs was one way to combat the issue.

“There are programs in schools but one area I think is a great idea is using sporting role models,’’ Mr Toko said.

Mr Leapai, known as The Lionheart during his boxing career, said educating children was something he took a keen interest in.

“Talking to children (as a role model) is something I’m looking at doing,” he said.

“I want to let kids know about the dangers of drugs.

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“I’ve been in drugs and ­alcohol issues and I’ve been to prison. But the other side of it is that there is a second chance for everyone and my shot at the world heavyweight title is proof of that.”

Mr Leapai said he also had a “calling’’ to go into ministry work.

He said his late father, who died just last week in Samoa, was a great believer in the church and he wanted to take up work in that area.

Three high school principals approached by the Albert & Logan News said they would be interested in Mr Leapai speaking with their students about the danger of drug and alcohol abuse.

Beenleigh State High principal Matt O’Hanlon said the school ran a variety of programs and he could specifically think of at least one that would be suitable to accommodate Mr Leapai.

Shailer Park State High principal Troy Ascott predicted his students would “really warm to Alex’’.

“I’d love to see him work with them,’’ he said.

Springwood State High School principal Julie Ann McCullough said her students were already mentored and had boxing skills sessions with the Dundee Boxing organisation and elite boxer Jeff Horn but would welcome Mr Leapai.

“It would be great to have Alex Leapai visiting schools, talking about his journey and providing positive messages to Logan students,” she said.