Billy Graham preaches keeping fit

Press, 24 June 1989, Page 1

Billy Graham preaches keeping fit

MICHAEL RENTOUL

Mr Billy Graham, whose enthusiasm and fervour can be compared with that of his namesake, is planning a “takeover” of the Christchurch Town Hall next month. Mr Graham, aged 41, who describes himself as a fitness adviser and personal motivator, says this combination has not put people off. His talk, planned for July 14, resulted from the interest generated by a recent appearance on the “Holmes” television show. z The Wellington-born former butcher, teacher and boxer, is on the books of the New Zealand Businessmen’s Guestspeaking Bureau, and tours internationally. Boxing, Mr Graham says, has helped his motivation talks. During 25 years in the sport he held national and Australasian titles. A 10-minute fitness programme which is part of the talk originates from boxing work-outs. Those who benefit most from his advice are schoolchildren, especially seniors, he says. “They are going into the real world and will suffer a lot of knockbacks in the first 12 months.” Mr Graham has had problems of his own, dealing with dyslexia. But he believes difficulties must be acknowledged, shared and tackled immediately. Often mistaken for an Australian, Mr Graham says he is “too noisy for the average Kiwi.” In spite of this, he recently convinced the New Zealand Army to take up his fitness programme, which has also been bought by the United States Air Force.