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20 Jan 2009 10:17:23
A Luton boxer has appealed for Government financial help to roll out a boxing and skills scheme to help young people in the community.
Paul Webb was praised by Culture , visiting the Association of Universities in the East of England Conference at Cranfield University on Friday (16 February), as an inspirational “current community entrepreneur.”
The 32-year-old from Hockwell Ring became an electrician after leaving school and was encouraged by his employers to undertake a Business and Administration degree from the University of Bedfordshire.
“I was the first person out of my family to get a university degree,” he told the Minister. His experience fired him to give others access to the same opportunities. His enthusiasm for amateur boxing struck him as a great way for youngsters to learn the self-discipline and confidence.
As well as starting boxing clubs in Hockwell Ring, Dallow, and Marsh Farm which now serve 60 children each week, Paul says he wants to expand classes to give his students practical opportunities for experience in the construction work. The electrician and building coach believes in times of recession youngsters particularly need more guidance and opportunities in life giving them something to fallback on.
Today he appealed to the East of England Minister Barbara Follett MP for the necessary financial help to take his scheme to the next level. “I want to give the youngsters I work with the same opportunities that I had,” added Paul.
Ms Follett said Paul embodies the change the Government believes the country needs to take: “You’re the sort of person we want, I’m really proud to have met you.”
She declared her intention to ask Gerry Sutcliffe MP, Minister for Sport in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to join her in a visit to the Luton.
Paul said he was keen to encourage the youngsters who visit his clubs to aspire to achieve. He is currently raising funds to take the highest achievers from Luton to visit Cuba in August this year. He said: “Cubans are the best amateur boxers in the world. I want them to learn and see how the Cubans box.”
One of Paul first boxing students is aspiring to become a coach. Seventeen-year-old Abdul Rahman of Dallow starts his coaching certificate this month.
Latest news» 2009» January» Former student appeals for Government help
