MylifE Champions Boxing Initiative
This project's parent organization is My Life Foundation
It operates in South Africa
It uses Boxing
Entered the Best New Project
More about MylifE Champions Boxing Initiative
The number of youth at risk at in Cape Town is reaching pandemic proportions. They drop out, lose hope and damage themselves and society. The MylifE Champions initiative uses boxing to reach these youths in ways that other interventions can’t. The potential kudos of being considered a ‘fighter’ appeals to them. For those who are prepared to commit to our tough training regime and sign up to our values (such as good sportsmanship and respect), we provide a structured training environment and a dedicated professional coach.
The training progresses until eventually - when they’ve proven their commitment and skill, they’ve demonstrated our values and stayed out of trouble - we invite them to box at a white collar “Fight Night” in front of a crowd of 500 cheering supporters. The prospect of the fight, of proving themselves and having the best and proudest night of their lives, gives them a tremendous sense of purpose. Their self-esteem increases, they feel more confident, focused and in-control. When they face their opponent in the middle of the ring they are demonstrating that they are winning their fight, against addiction, crime, hopelessness. They are transformed, physically, mentally and emotionally; they’ve become ‘Champions’.