BOXING CHAMPION VISITS SPORT 4 NRG PROJECT

An English boxing champion has been inspiring pupils in Ramsgate as part of the council’s Sport 4 NRG programme.

Sammy Holloway, who’s the Queensbury Middleweight English Champion, visited one of the scheme’s boxing sessions with the Northwood Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) to help inspire potential boxing champions of the future.

Sport 4 NRG delivers non-contact boxing and fitness training to the young people of Northwood PRU. Pupils from Northwood are excluded from mainstream school, so extra training to help develop discipline, coordination, behaviour and respect are paramount to their development.

Richard Knott, Physical Activity Coordinator at Northwood, said: "The lads have really loved the boxing training that they've been doing with the Sport 4 NRG coaches Jay and Andy. It's getting them fit for the summer at the same time as developing their boxing skills. Since the boxing training has started, we have seen a notable difference in their attitudes and behaviour and to have Sammy bring his belt down is fantastic for them!"

Sammy Holloway said: “I think it’s fantastic that these lads get the opportunity to take part in boxing training at school. We would rather them be boxing in these fun, controlled environments, rather than the playground, so if we can pass that message on to them, then we’re doing a good thing. Boxing is about working hard, discipline, defending yourself and showing controlled aggression and respect for your opponent. These values can then be transferred to other walks of life”.

Sport 4 NRG also runs a boxing training session in the evening, on a Wednesday night at Millmead Hall from 5.00pm to 6.00 pm for 11 to 15 year olds, and from 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm for those over 16. For more information, visit www.thanet.gov.uk/sport