Igali adds star power to politics
February 11 2005
Wrestling champion enters the fray for Surrey-Newton seat in B.C. Legislature
VANCOUVER -- Charismatic sports hero Daniel Igali announced yesterday he is going into politics in British Columbia to pay back the country for the incredible opportunities he received after he was accepted 10 years ago as a refugee from Nigeria.
"Canada not only opened its arms to accommodate me and gave me a roof over my head and three square meals a day. It also granted unimaginable freedom, for which I will remain forever grateful," he said.
"Through support of Canadians, I achieved unprecedented success in athletics," said Mr. Igali, who was dressed in a dark, conservative suit, blue shirt and tie.
A popular figure across the country, Mr. Igali won a gold medal for Canada in wrestling in the Summer Olympics in 2000. The country cheered as the exuberant athlete did a victory lap around the Maple Leaf flag, knelt down and kissed it. His face became even better known after appearing on boxes of Cheerios.
With British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell at his side yesterday, Mr. Igali told about 100 party members and friends he intended to seek a nomination in the riding of Surrey-Newton.
His candidacy could add star power to the Liberal Party, which is trying to gain traction in the campaign from the excitement over the province's winning bid to be host of the Olympics in 2010.
Mr. Igali is an Ijaw tribesman from the Nigerian town of Eniwari. He grew up in poverty, one of 21 siblings from his father's four wives. He was among a group of Nigerians who applied for refugee status in August, 1994, after competing in the Commonwealth Games in Victoria.
Mr. Igali, who became a Liberal Party member a few months ago, told reporters he has always thought he would some day enter politics. However, the decision to go for a nomination in the provincial election was tough.
"It's not just about me. It's about my family, it's about my friends," he said. Mr. Igali was also concerned about conflicts of interest with his financial and charitable activities. He thought about waiting another four years. But then he thought that he would not participate in another Olympics, and that wrestling was not part of next year's Commonwealth Games. "So this is a good time to get in," he said.
He said he is concerned about the impact of politics and campaigning on his physique. He works out about four hours every day. "I worry about having a gut when I get [to the legislature]," he said.
Although he has no political experience, he quickly dismissed a question about his qualifications to run. "You don't go to school to be a politician," he said. "What is important is your core values and . . . moral character and I know what is right and wrong," he said.
Mr. Igali is seeking the nomination in the neighbourhood in which he lives. The riding is now represented by Liberal MLA Tony Bhullar, who party officials have asked to run in a neighbouring riding. The New Democrats hope to retake the riding despite Mr. Igali's candidacy. Undaunted by the glitter of a star candidate, the NDP said it anticipates the Liberals' track record will count more than Mr. Igali's gold medal.
The Liberals are in deep trouble and will need much more than an Olympic wrestler to win the riding, NDP provincial secretary Gerry Scott said in an interview.
NDP candidate Harry Bains has been door-knocking since his nomination in the riding five months ago. He said residents are upset about Liberal cutbacks, the privatization of some health-care services and inordinate increases in university tuition fees. Mr. Bains, a forestry worker, has been a full-time employee of a union for the past 15 years.
"[Mr. Igali] has been a very great athlete. I respect him for that," Mr. Bains said in an interview. "But [Mr. Igali] will have to defend the Liberals' mean-spirited policies that have hurt so many people."
By ROBERT MATAS
Friday, February 11, 2005
Globe and Mail
