Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster was on hand to help open a community gym which helps those tackling issues including knife crime and gang culture.
Box Smart Elite hosted a highly successful opening event at their gym in Walsall town centre that saw more than 150 boxing fans and local residents in attendance.
Box Smart Elite is a community driven boxing club that works with people of all ages, genders, and races, tackling issues such as racism, knife crime, gang culture, and other difficulties regularly challenging local communities.
Since its inception over 12 months ago, Box Smart Elite has become one of the leading boxing clubs in the country, with its boxers securing numerous national and international titles. Several have even gone on to represent their country, such as local boxer Aaron Bowen who was selected to represent England on home ground at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The opening event was attended by well-known figures from the world of boxing, including pundit Steve Bunce and heavyweight British professional boxer Frazer Clarke, who won the Bronze medal for Team GB at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics. The ribbon was cut by the West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, and world-renowned consultant paediatrician, Prof. Abdul Rashid Gatrad.
With regards to Box Smart Elite and the work they do in the community, PCC Simon Foster said: “Walsall is one of the most culturally rich and diverse areas in the region. Therefore, it is fantastic to have a space that truly champions inclusion and is available to all members of the community, regardless of age, faith, background, race or gender.
“Not only does Box Smart Elite provide a facility where athletes and title contenders can come to train, but the work being done here – especially with young people – is helping to tackle gang culture and knife crime in Walsall and the surrounding areas.
“Congratulations to Shiney and his team on their grand opening. I look forward to following the growth and success of Box Smart Elite.”
Shiney Singh, owner of Box Smart Elite and England Talent Pathway Coach, added: “I am very excited to have realised our ambition and officially opened Box Smart Elite. The team of people I have supporting me have put a lot of hard work and effort in over the last 12 months to help me get the gym up and running.
“Walsall is a truly diverse area, and I feel it is important to offer people in the community a safe space to train, connect with others and learn new skills, no matter their age, religion, cultural background or gender. We’re a non-profit gym, so we’re not here to make money. Instead, we’re here to support our community and provide opportunities for people to train and come to a safe space.
“I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to our sponsors and donors, and look forward to celebrating our future success with them.”
Steps To Work and Starting Point Recruitment are proud sponsors of Box Smart Elite, alongside AproDerm, Bescot Lodge Care Home, Albany Creek Dental, iSmart Control, Joshua Tree 108 and Seavers Fish & Chips.
For more information about Box Smart Elite, please visit www.boxsmartelite.com
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