Sport Australia Hall of Fame member to kick Tigers season into full gear

Back in 1990 when kickboxing had a relatively low sporting profile, Stan “The Man” Longinidis became the first Australian to win a world kickboxing title.

He went on to win more titles and in 1996 he united two global strands of kickboxing by becoming the first Westerner to win the WMC World Heavyweight Muay Thai title. The fight took place before 80,000 fans in Bangkok and the title was personally bestowed on Longinidis by the King of Thailand.

Longinidis was given a lifetime achievement award in France in 2000 for his contribution to the sport. He retired in 2003 with a record of 83 wins, eight losses and four draws from his 95 fights. On Tuesday 26 July, Stan will attend the Queanbeyan Tigers training session where he’ll discuss the goal setting and leadership strategies that helped him become Australia’s most celebrated combat sports athlete.

A much sought after speaker, Stan has worked recently with the Geelong and Richmond Football Clubs, and mentored athletes selected for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Stan will speak to the playing groups about strategies for high level performance, individual resilience and the importance of goal setting and self belief.

The event is being coordinated by Tigers Sports Chaplain Scott Minchin, who also doubles as boxing coach and First Grade runner. It follows last years seminar by Brigadier Dan Fortune, Director General of Military Communications.

Scott said ‘Its been my aim to ensure that as we develop as a club, that the Tigers have access to some senior leaders and high performing athletes from outside the AFL, to provide examples of leadership and mentoring, applicable to the Tigers coaching and playing group, and the broader Queanbeyan community. As a chaplain I am trying to ensure coaches and players have access to mentoring away from the traditional coaching structure, and that guys have options to discuss aspects of their footy and lives’.

Players of all grades are strongly encouraged to be at training on Tuesday night for this not-to-be-missed opportunity to hear from a world champ.

Eight-time world kickboxing champion Stan “The Man” Longinidis has worked with Geelong Football Club and is pictured above with Patrick Dangerfield, Corey Enright and Tom Hawkins.