West Auckland Amateur Boxing Gym is really going places – following the donation of a minibus that allows members to travel to competitions and training sessions across the country.
The gym and its facilities have also been given a thumping endorsement by North East boxing legend Glenn McCrory, who visited to offer youngsters advice and inspiration.
The minibus was supplied by businessman Peter Johnson, chief executive officer of ASL Group, who hails from West Auckland.
McCrory, a former IBF world cruiserweight champion and now television commentator and pundit, said: “This gym is a superb community asset and a first-class training facility.
“It’s great to see how it is helping people embrace a sport that encourages physical wellbeing as well as the principles of hard work and self-discipline.
“I’m a prime example of how boxing can change people’s lives for the better and I hope that what I achieved will motive the youngsters here.”
Peter Johnson donated the minibus from his company’s transport fleet, as well as paying for members’ tracksuits.
He said: “It is important that businesses, such as ASL Group, give something back to the community whenever they can.
“The boxing gym is providing structure and discipline for youngsters and will help boost their fitness, confidence and self-esteem, which also will benefit other areas of their lives.”
ASL, which has bases at Wilton International on Teesside, Poole in Dorset, and Dubai, provides highly specialised services to the oil, gas and petrochemical industries including the design, manufacture and renovation of heat exchangers and pressure vessels.
West Auckland Amateur Boxing Gym was set up during the start of the pandemic last year local entrepreneur Stephen Nicholson and head coach Ernest Spowart.
Ernest Spowart said: “Having this minibus means we can travel to tournaments across the country to further our members’ competitive ambitions.
“Since taking delivery, our junior and senior squads have been to a competition in Torquay and sparring sessions in Liverpool and Manchester, which is adding depth and breadth to their sporting experiences.”
The minibus has also been used to transport Karen Stuart, the amputee mother of the gym’s first title holder Kalim, so that she can watch him train and compete. Kalim recently lifted the 57 kilo Tyne Tees Wear Development Belt at The Point, Sunderland.
Stephen, the founder and managing director of bespoke painting and decorating service S Nicholson and Sons, also thanked Glenn McCrory for his interest.
He said “Glenn is a true champion, who has never forgotten where he came from and who is keen to encourage youngsters to follow in his footsteps.
“He is an inspiration and is testament to how boxing can totally transform a person’s life and it is fantastic that he is showing support for our gym and its members.”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
