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BOXING LEGEND INSPIRES YOUNG PEOPLE OF NOTTINGHAM

BOXING LEGEND INSPIRES YOUNG PEOPLE OF NOTTINGHAM

JOHN FURY, the legendary boxing cornerman, former professional, and father of two-time heavyweight boxing world champion Tyson fury, has visited Nottingham School of Boxing to inspire young people from the city who may be struggling with their mental health and at risk of criminal behaviour.

 

The visit follows a number of initiatives put in place by Nottingham School of Boxing, and its sister organisation Switch Up CIC, to boost support to city youngsters that are experiencing higher levels of anxiety and mental health challenges following the Covid-19 lockdown.

Mr Fury visited the gym on Monday (24 May 2021) to take part in the children’s boxing session and to talk about his own struggles with mental health during a Q&A in the following session for older children and adults. 

Marcellus Baz BEM, founder and chief executive of Switch Up CIC and Nottingham School of Boxing, said:

 “As a community gym, lockdown posed a huge risk for the vulnerable children and young adults we support – we continue to see its impact and are doing as much as we can to provide additional guidance. Part of that is providing access to inspirational stories of overcoming challenges and the Fury family certainly represent that. My team and I are so grateful that John was able to visit and show everyone that success over adversity is possible.”

Mr Fury added:

“It’s more important than ever that we support our young people, particularly those from disadvantaged and vulnerable backgrounds. Hearing from someone who has been there, done that, and still succeeded can make all the difference when you are going through a difficult time. I’m hoping my visit will have a positive impact on some of those who attended today, I intend to build on our relationship with Baz and to look at further initiatives to raise awareness around mental health.”

John Fury and his team have previously worked with Nottingham School of Boxing and Switch Up in relation to its Fury DNA clothing brand which has worked with organisations across the country to develop a range of apparel that focuses on well-being and motivation.  

As well as creating safe and accessible opportunities for young people from across Nottingham to stay active, Nottingham School of Boxing and Switch Up has designed new ways to tackle negative mental health during the last 12 months, as well as expanding what they do by delivering food parcels for families outside of its traditionally city-centre focussed remit.

The Nottingham School of Boxing team responded to lockdown by setting up six virtual support sessions per week, comprising daily fitness challenges, boxing and exercise sessions with the coaches, bedtime stories and Switch Up Snacktime, which teaches viewers how to cook easy, cheap, and healthy meals. Plus, they provided the opportunity to engage and talk openly with others and mentors following online sessions.

As soon as restrictions eased, the team also hosted free weekly outdoor sessions and re-opened the gym in line with government and England Boxing guidelines while the volunteers put together and delivered food parcels to families in need.

Nottingham School of Boxing, and its sister organisation Switch Up CIC, utilise sport, mentoring, education, and counselling to transform the lives of young people in Nottingham helping them to transition into employment, training, and further education. 

For more information on Switch Up and the Nottingham School of Boxing, visit https://www.marcellusbaz.co.uk/nottingham-school-of-boxing/.


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