Local MP Alan Mak has visited the Heart of Hayling Boxing Academy to present awards to young boxers from the Island and the local area.
The Havant Constituency MP was also presented with a medal from the Boxing Academy as recognition for the work he does in the local community.
Heart of Hayling Boxing Academy delivers the National GB Boxing Awards, a non-contact boxing programme which teaches young boxers anger management, improves self-confidence, and helps them to learn that hard work and determination leads to better life choices. The GB Awards also promotes healthy eating and frequent exercise. Boxers have free access to fresh fruit and water during sessions.
The Boxing Academy was founded in 2018 and in just 4 short years has risen to prominence as a leading community organisation.
Mr Mak attended the Academy during one of their training sessions at the Hayling Island Community Centre to present an award for natural talent, which went to Harriet Wilson, as well as presenting a number of young boxers with medals for completing Preliminary and Bronze levels of the GB Boxing Awards framework.
Local MP Alan Mak said: “I am delighted to be at the Heart of Hayling Boxing Academy presenting these awards. I want to thank Wendy Coates and the team of coaches, trustees, mentors and other volunteers for the fantastic work they do with the Academy, and thank them for recognising my community work with a medal.”
Wendy Coates, the Academy’s treasurer, said “We are delighted that Alan Mak MP agreed to visit us and present these awards, and want to thank him very much for his attendance. Heart of Hayling is always looking for new volunteers. We welcome new Boxers between 5-18 years, from the Island and the surrounding area. We ask for a £2 donation but there is no problem if that is not possible. If you are interested in taking part, just come down and take a look at what we do!”
