April 2 2012: Boston, MA – Gail Grandchamp, of North Adams, was recognized during Women’s History Month for her fight for gender equality in the sport of boxing. On March 15, 2012, Gail Grandchamp received a certificate of appreciation for “The Fight for Women and Women’s Boxing” in a ceremony at the State House in Boston. Robert A De Leo, Massachusetts Speaker of the House, and Gailanne M. Cariddi, Massachusetts State Representative, presented the award.
Women’s History Month celebrates the efforts and contributions of remarkable women across generations that were unrelenting in making positive changes for the betterment of society. Gail Grandchamp has continuously fought for the rights of female athletes and has tremendously impacted the future of boxing.
April 16, 2012 will mark the 20th anniversary of the landmark court decision won by Grandchamp that forever changed the future of women’s boxing. On April 16, 1992, Grandchamp made history in the courtroom – securing a breakthrough decision that altered the traditional sports industry, and made opportunities competitive options available for women in the United States. After her lengthy eight-year battle, in which she represented herself, a two-day trial commenced. When the MA court subsequently ruled it illegal to deny someone the right to fight based on their gender – the first battle was won.
Grandchamp may have won the case, but the length of the battle meant that her age restricted her from competing as an amateur. She continued her career and became a licensed, professional boxer, winning the first female professional boxing match in Massachusetts. Her journey in the sport of boxing is revealed in her autobiography, suitably titled, Gail Grandchamp: A Fighter with Heart Pursues an Olympic Dream – it tells of one woman’s passion and determination for gender equality in the sport of boxing.
Grandchamp sat ringside at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Women’s Team Trials in Spokane, WA as she witnessed first-hand her dream become a reality. The upcoming 2012 Summer Olympic games in London will host the first ever U.S. Women’s Boxing Team.
Without the heart of this fighter, this debut may still be just a mere reverie.
Gail Grandchamp is no longer a professional boxer, yet remains a champion of the cause. She is a U.S. certified boxing coach and trainer and the owner of Grandchamp Boxing Club in North Adams, MA. As an author, public speaker and physical fitness guru she works with people of all ages to encourage healthy, active lifestyles and of course, the sport of boxing. A documentary movie about Gail Grandchamp’s life, bouts in the ring and bouts in the courts, is in pre-development.
Gail Grandchamp’s website
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