Fighting for Franklin youth
A team of Franklin fighters are putting their bodies on the line to do their bit for local youth facing modern day challenges.
The 13-strong squad of amateur boxers, led by Pukekohe motivation coach Megan Van Lieshout, will take to the boxing ring in August to raise awareness of, and funds, to help combat youth challenges. They hope to help build resilience, and equip young people with the skills needed to tackle anxiety and society’s pressures.
Franklin Fight Night has the ambitious goal of establishing a purpose-run Pukekohe Resource and Education Facility, to help achieve this for the district’s young people and their mind health.
Helping to make this goal a reality is key sponsor Dr Creasan Reddy from Pukekohe Family Doctors, Urgent Care and Seddon St Doctors, who will provide the location and staff for the new facility.
Pukekohe trainer Brownie Kingi is charged with getting the fighters into shape with six months of gruelling trainings, strict nutrition plans, a booze ban and demanding 110 per cent ‘go hard or go home’ commitment.
The charity boxing event is inspired by the tragic passing of locals. It has the heartfelt support of loved ones mourning their loss, and coping with the impact on families left behind.
The event stems from Van Lieshout’s quest for better mind health. A keen fitness boxer, she was spurred on by how the sport had helped her on her journey and experienced a ‘light bulb’ moment.
‘‘In my work I see people struggling all the time and noticed it was becoming an epidemic, particularly with our youth . . . and over time I realised the only way we can get through these things is the fight from within. That’s where Franklin Fight Night came in.
‘‘I was willing to fight for this, I’d lost friends and seen others battle with mind health issues.
‘‘Through lots of thought, and research, and dialogue with Creasan, we set the goal - let’s create Resource and Education Facility focused on mind health for our young people.’’
Franklin Fight Night competitors might be amateur boxers, but the budding athletes mean business. They are equipped with a nutritionist, team masseuse, professional coaches, a doctor and the skills and gear to ensure their safety.
Each is completely dedicated to the training - and the cause - because of their own personal battle or having known someone who has, or is, battling mind health issues within their family.
‘‘Their commitment and dedication to this goal and cause is super inspiring,’’ Van Lieshout said. ‘‘I am super proud of all them.’’
The fighters are all supported by a local personal sponsor, enabling them to commit to the punishing training regime when many are working full time and have families.
Franklin Fight Night is on August 11 at the Pukekohe Indian Community Centre. For more information email Aynsley at info@nowevents.co.nz. All ringside tables have been sold. Seated tickets available only.