Medalist Oliver is boxing clever
BOXING coach Alex Oliver admitted he was knocked out when he heard he had landed a top national honour, writes TONY HODGSON.
Oliver, head coach at Durhambased Brandon Boxing Club, is to be awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to sport and to the community.
He is expected to receive the medal at an investiture at Buckingham Palace in May.
Oliver said: “At first I thought it must be a wind-up but once it was officially confirmed I was totally overwhelmed.
“It came as a total surprise but I am over the moon.
“It is wonderful to be honoured for the work you do in your community.
“It will be awesome for my wife and family and I to travel to London and we are looking forward to the big day already.”
Currently based at the Brandon and Carside Youth and Community Centre, Brandon Boxing Club was set up by Oliver in 2013.
The aim was to give anyone from around the region the chance to become fit and learn new boxing skills, regardless of age, sex or disability.
The club offers eight training sessions every week run by its ten qualified coaches and it has grown to now have more than 100 people accessing its facilities.
Its annual home show last autumn proved a knockout success.
Featuring boxers from the Durham club competing against fighters from around the country, it was attended by more than 500 people.
An auction held on the night also did fantastically well, with framed and signed Carl Froch and George Groves memorabilia bringing in more than £600 for two causes - Oliver’s daughter’s school Trinity School in Durham and Lauren Rennie, who requires surgery in America on her spine.
The club is about to move into a brand-new, purpose-built facility at Brandon Sports Club and will be holding an official opening event on Easter Monday, attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Durham.
As well as running the boxing club, Oliver is also involved with raising money for a range of local charities and good causes.