Generosity of UBOX ABC and the Welsh boxing community having a global impact
Collaboration and support are two pillars that really allow boxing to thrive as a community.
Often referred to as a family rather than community, boxing champions equal opportunity and fairness – something that UBOX ABC has exemplified with their initiative to donate equipment to Masibambane Boxing Club in Joza, South Africa.
“The idea started based on a request from Courtney Agaienz,” explained Nick Nassoro, from UBOX, “who had noticed bags of discarded boxing gloves that I had cleared from the boxing gym, which were bagged to go out with the refuse.”
Originally from Johannesburg, Courtney – now a UBOX ABC member – had Thabang Hlehle as her first ever boxing coach, and would be invited to join in with training at Masibambane Boxing Club in addition to her usual sessions at Rhodes University.
“I was overwhelmed by how friendly and happy the children were to be training, despite a noticeable lack of equipment,” Courtney commented.
“After having a giggle at my sad attempt, one girl was kind enough to teach me to skip. The memory has stuck with me over the years, and I will always be grateful for Thabang and that experience. So naturally, I thought of those happy faces – most without boxing kit – when I noticed the old gloves left out for disposal.
“Fortunately, Nick was more than happy for me to grab the decent gloves. I am hoping to give them a new life in South Africa with the children in the Joza Community.”
It didn’t take long for Nick to then reach out to the wider boxing community in Wales to see if others would like to be involved in this brilliant initiative.
“I thought I would reach out to the South Wales Boxing community via the Southern division WhatsApp group chat,” he explained. “I felt that as a Boxing community we would all like to help no matter how small the donation.
“Within minutes of posting the request for help, three clubs immediately responded offering everything like gloves, head guards, skipping ropes and the WABA also kindly offered to donate kit as well.
“In my view,” Nick concluded, “this is a prime example of not just boxing community but Boxing family helping others globally.”
For Courtney, for whom this project meant so much personally, the reaction from the wider community was truly special.
“No matter where I have travelled, people in the boxing community have always been incredibly welcoming, but the warmth and passion of the Welsh boxing community is in a league of its own and totally unrivalled.
“We received so many heartfelt offers from Welsh gyms in a matter of minutes,” she continued. “I have been completely blown away by all of the wonderful gestures that gym owners have made so far. I never expected such a huge response and I feel especially grateful to Nick, Brett Parry from Maerdy Boxing Club, and Neil Munn of Penarth ABC. It's astounding how far their compassion has gone.
“I cannot wait for the kids to see their new kit!”
Courtney concluded by affirming just how vital an act of this scale will be for the boxers in Joza.
“For the children in Joza and surrounding areas, boxing provides a supportive community and a healthy means to escape from some of the hardship that they face.
“They love what they do and are incredibly motivated to learn. Some of the kids have the talent and potential to go far, but are halted by a lack of equipment. It's really important for me to find a way to offer this equipment to them, especially as it would otherwise be tossed out.
“It would be amazing to make even a small contribution towards growing their passion, skills and love for the sport, in any way possible.”
This is yet another example of the supportive nature of our sport, and it’s been heartwarming to see the collaboration between clubs to ensure that those less fortunate are being given an equal opportunity to take part in something they love.
If you’d like to get involved in this initiative, you can contact Nick on 07528695238 or email nsnboxing@gmail.com.
Thank you to Joshua Oates for allowing us to use his photograph.