A champion is neither born nor made. It is the confluence of natural ability, dedication and perseverance that incites the champion to accomplish goals of which others only dream. These are the qualities of which Samuel Vega, Jr. is made.

As an amateur boxer, ‘Sammy’ won 7 [SEVEN] National Championships and a Bronze Medal at the 1997 World Junior Olympic Championships. He was the first boxer from Connecticut to win the National Silver Gloves Championship and only the second boxer from Connecticut ever to win the National Junior Olympic champion. The first was Marlon “Moochie” Starling, 2 time welterweight world champion. Past winners include world champions, Mike Tyson (1982), Oscar De La Hoya (1988) and Roy Jones (1984). From June 1997 to 1998, Sammy was ranked #1 in the USA and # 4 in the WORLD in his weight class by USA Boxing. Of the 1997-1998 Junior Olympic championship team, all but two went on to represent the United States as members of the 2000 Olympic USA boxing team. One of the two decided to turn professional and the other, decided to pursue a college degree. That boxer is Sammy Vega.

Samuel Vega, Jr. was born and raised in Hartford and educated in the Hartford Public School System. He is bilingual, a graduate of A.I. Prince Tech with honors and presently pursuing a college degree. A multi talented young man, Sammy ran cross country for the four years he was at A.I. Prince Tech. After winning the Region I Junior Olympic boxing championships at Lake Placid, the very next day Sammy finished third in the 3-mile run in a state technical school track meet. He was also a member of City Slickers, an after school program that introducing city youths to horseback riding and other equestrian activities. Sammy became an accomplished rider as well as an accomplished mason, the technical trade that he chose at A.I. Prince Tech showing that he applies the same degree of professionalism to any task that he undertakes.

Mr. Vega is presently the Program Coordinator for Mega Education®, a scholastic incentive, “Stay in School” program designed to reward student effort and achievement. He oversees and coordinates a menu of programs in over 30 schools and serves as motivational speaker and role model for inner city youth. This is the stuff of which champions are made.