Pembroke and Pembroke Dock amateur boxing club was top of the list for a visit from Stephen Crabb MP following a meeting at Number 10 Downing Street last month with BoxWise Disability lead and Chairman of GB Boxing, Chris McEwen, who happens to live in Pembrokeshire.
Chris McEwen, invited Stephen to come and see a BoxWise disability session in action after Chris was nominated to attend the Downing Street reception in recognition of all his work to promote disability boxing and provide boxing opportunities to people not just in Pembrokeshire, but right across the UK.
On Thursday (8th March) at the busy club on Water Street in Pembroke Dock, Stephen was provided with an overview of the inspiring work being done in Pembroke Dock by Chris which is changing the lives of countless young people in Pembrokeshire.
Chris runs children’s programmes, schools’ programmes, as well as their own amateur boxing programmes with every Thursday night allocated to running free inclusion boxing programmes for individuals with all ranges of disability. Stephen was interested to meet with the members, coaches and to hear from Chris about his plans for developing the building to provide more boxing and fitness facilities.
Chris has featured on the BBC Cymru Wales Talk Disability documentary and is the subject of a new Netflix series.
Following his visit Stephen said,
“It has been inspiring to meet so many children and adults with disabilities involved in the sessions this evening and to see the skills and confidence they are developing by being part of this club. It is clear to see the impact that Chris has on those he is coaching. His sheer enthusiasm and can do attitude is infectious and I feel so fortunate that we have gained Chris as part of our community.”
He added,
“Chris is a force of nature and has so many plans for the building which he hopes to develop to meet local needs that he has identified in the community. The club is an outstanding example of a place where community and fitness brings everyone together and where everyone benefits.”
Boxwise Disability Lead Chris McEwen, said,
“I was delighted that Stephen was able to visit our inclusion sessions after we met at the Reception in Downing Street. He looked around our facility, listened to our plans for our community and grassroots sports for the gym. He watched the classes and talked to the students, parents and carers and asked them what they wanted to see more of locally.”
“ We talked openly about sport in schools, after school clubs and employment issues – it was a complete breath of fresh air and I look forward to working with him on future projects.”
