Revamped boxing gym opens its doors at Broome PCYC

The Broome community have worked hard over the summer to turn the dream of a new boxing gym at Broome PCYC into a reality.

The recently opened facilities will provide local children and young people with the opportunity to learn boxing fundamentals. Broome Police Youth Engagement Officers will also have access to the boxing gym as a way to engage with young people at-risk through physical activity.

As well as improving cardiovascular fitness and muscle condition, boxing teaches important concepts like resilience and respect. The mental focus makes it a perfect sport for young people at-risk, who can learn to harness their energy and use it in positive ways.

The fit out of the new boxing facilities cost nearly $15,000 in materials and labour which were all kindly donated by local businesses and community members.

Donations came from a number of local businesses including Broome Toyota, Pearl Coast Chiropractic, Bishops Transport, Build IT Works, Blindman Broome, Broome Mobile Welding, Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation and Stratco.

Further support was also provided by Bunnings, Broome Powder Coaters and Ringsport who supplied boxing bags, floor-to-ceiling balls and other training equipment for the gym fit out, all of which are made in WA.

Volunteer and Head Boxing coach at Broome PCYC, Alan Ingram said, “Without our sponsors’ commitment and support, the new facility would not have been possible.”

With the facilities finished just in time for the Easter school holiday, boxing classes were the highlight of Broome PCYC’s School Holiday Program, with over 40 children attending over the first two days. Energy levels were high as participants learnt basic boxing stances and foot work drills before progressing onto the heavy bags and learning pad drills in the boxing ring.