McCausland announces £32,500 to establish a boxing club in Brownlow

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced a £32,500 funding boost towards the establishment of Craigavon Amateur Boxing club.
~ Wednesday, 11 January 2012

The funding, from the Department’s Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund, will be used to purchase boxing equipment and train new coaches from the local area.

Nelson McCausland said: “Sporting projects such as boxing clubs bring real benefits by promoting individual and community well-being. Boxing is a tough sport that
teaches the importance and value of self-discipline and hard work. In an increasingly challenging world for our young people, any sport that provides them with the
opportunity to enhance their personal fitness, improve their self-esteem and increase their self-confidence must warrant strong support.”

The project was developed in response to consultation carried out by Drumbeg Community Association with the local community and young people who do not currently access youth provision in the area. Through engagement in sport, young people will have the opportunity for personal and social development and it is hoped that this initiative will help break the cycle of young people becoming involved in anti social behaviour.

Paying tribute to all those involved in developing the project the Minister continued: “Providing youth activities and facilities is an important part of the Department’s Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy. This initiative was developed by the local residents working closely with Departmental officials, Craigavon Borough Council, the local Youth Club and the local GAA Club, which is providing the premises for the new Boxing Club. It is an excellent example of community organisations working in partnership with the relevant statutory organisations to bring about projects to help improve the health and well being of the residents of a disadvantaged area.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy ‘People and Place’ was published in June 2003 to close the gap between the quality of life for people in the most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of society. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy has four interlinking strategic objectives.
   Community Renewal – to develop confident communities that are able and committed to improving the quality of life in their areas.
   Economic Renewal – to develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider urban economy.
   Social Renewal – to improve social conditions for the people who live in the most deprived neighbourhoods through better co-ordinated public services and the creation of safer environments.
   Physical Renewal – to help create attractive, safe and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods.
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