KNOCK OUT EXTREMISM
Peterborough to show how boxing can be used as a diversionary tactic
EXTREMISM is a topic that people generally tread carefully around, with many young and vulnerable people being affected by radicalisation. However, Peterborough Police boxing club are facing it head on. In partnership with Prevent they hope to use boxing as a tool to combat extremist ideology. Their Knockout Extremism initiative was launched on July 21 at The Queen Katherine Academy in the heart of Peterborough. The event saw a display of boxing and various talks from influential people that are all behind this fantastic programme.
At the helm is Richard Ellison, a Prevent officer in the Peterborough area and a club volunteer. Richard is passionate about expanding this initiative to ensure that it fulfils its potential. He explains, “The aim of Knock Out Extremism is to use boxing clubs as a diversionary tactic for people that are referred to Prevent. Extremist groups will often target vulnerable people that are looking for excitement, comradery and a sense of belonging. Boxing clubs can offer all of those things in safe environment and can be used as a way of diverting people away from the risks of radicalisation.”
In attendance were Lewis Richardson of the GB Boxing team as well as undefeated prospects Kieron Conway and Hamzah Sheeraz. These elite athletes stated how impressed they were by the impact this initiative can have on communities and they are fully aware of the important role boxing has played in their lives.
Tom Paget, Eastern Counties club support officer, said, “This is a brilliant and innovative project that can make a real difference to people’s understanding of radicalisation. Saturday was a fantastic showcase of what boxing is already doing in communities but also what is possible going forward. I hope that boxing clubs and community organisations will get behind Knockout Extremism to protect those that may be vulnerable to these extremist messages.”