College a big hit with women boxers

The boxing programme won the Outstanding Sporting Project Award for its success in increasing female participation in the sport and promoting the values of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Bradford scheme which allows women of all abilities to train as boxers has been chosen as female fighters prepare to compete in the Olympics for the first time in 2012.

It was the first project of its kind to be granted the “Inspire mark”, the badge of the London 2012 Inspire programme, which recognises innovative and exceptional projects directly inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Para -lympic Games.

The Women’s Boxing Programme has been run through the boxing academy at Bradford College – a joint venture between the College and the Police Community Clubs of Great Britain and offers the opportunity for any level of boxer, from beginner to international standard to train while gaining educational qualifications at the same time.

The award was presented at a ceremony in London where 27 institutions from across the UK were recognised for their sport- ing, educational and creative projects.

Paul Porter, the Bradford boxing development officer, has been instrumental in helping the Bradford Police and College Boxing Academy develop, along with Mally MacIver, the head coach, and Kevin Smith, the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence coach.

Mr Porter: “We’re delighted Bradford College’s Women’s Boxing Programme has won a prestigious Podium Award. This has been a true team effort from all concerned.

“Allowing women to box in the Olympics has been the final piece in the jigsaw and will boost female participation.

“There are now more than 1,000 registered and competing female boxers in England and many more women training in boxing gyms throughout Britain”