Belfast's Boxing Strategy has been hailed a "major success for the city".
Lord Mayor, Councillor Christina Black, recently hosted coaches from several Commonwealth countries ahead of this summer's Games in Birmingham.
The 22nd Commonwealth Games get under way next Thursday, July 28, and the coaches along with their fighters were in the city for a pre-Games training camp.
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Amongst the group were coaches representing clubs across Belfast, who are now part of the Northern Ireland coaching team. They will corner for 13 fighters at the games, with seven of those benefitting directly from activities and programmes delivered through the Boxing Strategy, which includes Belfast City Council is a key funder.
“The council gave a commitment to support the growth and development of boxing in our city and wow has it paid off,” said Councillor Black. “The visit of these local coaches to City Hall today, before they head to Birmingham to guide their fighters competing on the world stage, is a shining example of how council’s investment in local grass roots sport is paying dividends.
“Not only is the boxing strategy supporting high performing elite athletes, but it has also encouraged more young people to get involved in the sport. The benefit of physical activity to improve our overall health and fitness cannot be understated and it’s fantastic to see increased participation in the sport of boxing, particularly amongst young girls.”
She added: “Belfast is a boxing city and has a rich history of boxing success. I have no doubt the group travelling to Birmingham will do their families and city proud as they compete for gold.
"The boxing strategy has been a major success for the city, and I look forward to the delivery of greater achievements in the future.”
The boxing strategy was first developed in partnership with County Antrim Boxing, Ulster Boxing Council, Sport Northern Ireland, and the Irish Amateur Boxing Association with the aim of growing amateur boxing in Belfast.
In the last quarter, the strategy successfully delivered some key performance figures. These included –
- 240 new participants at a come and try it event, 120 of which were young girls
- 1200 pupils took part in non-contact boxing
- There were 120 participants at Belfast Day of Boxing
- And 22 clubs reported a growth on their membership
For more information on the Belfast Boxing Strategy visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/boxing
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