€1m special boxing club allocation welcome – Coffey

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has welcomed news by the Minister for Sport, Michael Ring TD, that boxing clubs around the country are to be allocated €1 million worth of funding. Deputy Coffey said these funds will be used to upgrade training facilities for young boxers, particularly women.

“This money recognises that many boxing clubs continue to operate in facilities which are in poor condition and lack basic facilities, and this allocation is another important step in helping to ensure that young people who join boxing clubs can train in decent, fit-for-purpose facilities.

“Last year a couple of boxing clubs in Waterford benefited from a similar scheme to upgrade their facilities and I would encourage all boxing clubs to apply for this funding. The Minister has informed me that the allocation of this funding will be administered by the Irish Amateur Boxing Association.

“Eligible clubs will be able to make improvements to facilities like dressing rooms, showers, toilets and heating. There will be a particular focus on providing facilities for women boxers. Under the 2011 initiative more than 50 clubs received funding from an allocation of €1.25 million from the Minister’s office through the IABA with a maximum grant of €25,000 per club.”

Ends