Friends fight for Life Education Trust
Boxers and best mates are set to square off in the ring - all in the name of charity.
Tautoro’s Matthew Paraha and Tamatea Puru from Otaua are set to step into the boxing ring to raise funds for the Life Education Trust Far North.
The pair, who both work for the Department of Corrections, have been training at The Mill Gym, Kaikohe in preparation for the showdown.
‘‘There’s been so much hype, people are trying to pit us against each other,’’ Paraha, 33, says.
‘‘I just want to win.’’
When asked whether it will be difficult to fight a friend, Paraha says, in the ring Puru will just be his opponent.
The pair have been training specifically for the fight for around six weeks, and have even been practicing (sparring) together.
Puru, 39, think it’s going to be a pretty even fight.
‘‘We are both out to win.’’
This is the second year that a ‘Fight for Life Ed’ has been held with 10 bouts set for the event which supports the Life Education Trust to educate children about their body, friendships, their identity and other topics.
Life Education Trust Far North educator Terri Gravatt visits 6000 children at 75 schools in the Kaipara and Far North area each year.
Every year the trust aims to raise $25,000 for an upgrade to the classroom, but being a charity and also needing $100,000 annually for running costs, means an upgrade gets pushed aside. Gravatt says the upgrade would include projectors which would make for a more interactive and sensory experience for the children.
In 2016, the inaugural event for the Life Education Trust Far North raised $20,000.
Trust fundraising administrator Rebecca Crawford says ‘‘it’s awesome having Anthony on board for the second year.’’
The Mill’s Anthony Warren says the gym love to support a local charity.
‘‘It’s a good choice for us, since we are all about supporting the kids.’’
As well as boxers from The Mill, Bay of Islands Lee-Gar, and Toa Moerewa will be represented on the night.
Tickets are available to purchase every Friday from 12-2pm or contact Rebecca on 021 232 6875.
Fight for Life Boxing, July 29, Kaikohe Memorial Hall. Doors open 5.30pm.