Boxing clubs and gyms ask for help
West Lothian’s boxing clubs are hoping to benefit from government support after Boxing Scotland co-signed a letter to the Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, Nigel Huddleston MP, urging the government to provide greater financial support to grassroots clubs to help them cope with the Covid-19 pandemic.
The letter, written by Chris Evans MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Boxing, was also signed by representatives of the British Boxing Board of Control, Welsh Boxing, England Boxing and a number of top current and former boxers and promoters.
The letter calls for the provision of ‘equitable funding and support for boxing to ensure the survival of our nation’s grassroots, community boxing clubs’.
It said: “Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, boxing clubs, gyms and organisations have worked tirelessly to support their communities, but many now face economic hardship and risk being unable to reopen until restrictions are fully lifted.
“Nationally, the introduction of social distancing measures and limitations on pad work, sparring and competitions have constrained the ability of clubs to welcome members to train and raise revenue.”
A statement on letter from Boxing Scotland’s chairman, Kevin Bell, said: “In addition to our direct conversations with Sportscotland, we have also joined forces with the Home Nations and others in the hope that we see additional Barnet consequential for Scotland.
“We remain committed to working closely with our UK boxing community in order to secure financial support for our member clubs and to support them in reopening as quickly and safely as possible.
“We would like to thank the broader boxing community and APPG for their support in highlighting the importance of the clubs and the work they do in local communities throughout the country.”
He added:“I would also like to take the opportunity to thank those who have worked tirelessly to support their local communities, providing as much activity and exercise as possible for their members whilst continuing to follow the published guidance.”