Who we are
The City of Belfast Boxing Academy is more than a venue for taking part in boxing. We are a focal point of our community. We provide an environment for everyone to feel welcome, a part of something and a place to grow and develop.
Our club and its facilities play a crucial role in enhancing the social, emotional, and physical well-being of individuals and strengthening the social fabric of our neighbourhood. We provide essential services, foster a sense of belonging, and offer opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with one another and improve their lives. We address a wide range of needs and promote inclusivity, help build a more connected, resilient, and thriving local community.
Why are we crowdfunding?
We want to offer access to our facilities, activities and experiences to all member =s of our community. We are a boxing club of course, but we are also a link between residents of all ages and we want to use our connections to engage young people's enthusiasm and energy to motivate and inspire people of an older generation to see the benefits of a more active and positive lifestyle.
Whilst generational differences exist through the age spectrum, we believe there are many things where young and old share commonalities...social isolation, lack of confidence, financial concerns, a need for feeling connected and having a sense of belonging, the need to have a sense of purpose or challenge, the need for emotional support, a need to maintain a sense of wellbeing and health, a desire for independence, maintain or seek independence, share skills and knowledge and have fun in life.
In short, we want to offer a fully immersive health and fitness programme, where participants drive each other forwards
What will will do
As we want to offer a holistic health and lifestyle programme, our project will incur some additional costs. We want to offer:
Access to fully qualified coaches and trainers who are able to understand the complex needs of the elderly, whilst at the same time can deliver a bespoke project that enthuses younger participants
Engage mental health practitioners who can balance the needs of different audiences whilst at the same time offer a programme of sessions that are relevant and appropriate for all to aid with stress relief, boredom, anxiety, low self-confidence etc
Offer access to healthy eating sessions and practical support through working with a qualified dietician. Again, the importance of a balance between the needs of all participants needs to be maintained
Provide the services of sports injury professionals to offer support to participants in the management of pain, avoiding injury, overcoming fatigue,, relaxation, sleeping routines etc
Finally, much of our equipment is unsuitable for those with mobility and movement so there will be a need to purchase small items suitable for our mature beneficiaries
How we’ll spend the money raised
Whatever we raise through this appeal will be spent on a unique intergenerational project that over 6 weeks will offer lifestyle, fitness, dietary, mental resilience and general pain management sessions
Specialist coaches and trainers who can design a bespoke programme that is suitable for all
Mental health and mindfulness facilitator to help with stress, anxiety, mild depression, overcoming loneliness and anger management
A dietician to provide practical demonstrations and advice to follow a cost-effective and nutritional diet
Purchase of small equipment items to be used by those with restricted movements
Community impact
Benefits to Younger Participants
Access to valuable life lessons and mentorship from older individuals.
Opportunity to learn discipline, resilience, and patience from the sport.
The chance to teach and demonstrate leadership skills by coaching older participants.
Provision of role models
Benefits to For Older Participants
A chance to stay physically active, reducing the risk of health problems associated with aging.
Emotional benefits of intergenerational interaction and the sense of accomplishment that comes from learning new skills.
Opportunities for personal growth, self-discipline, and fostering a sense of community.
Reduction in isolation, social exclusion and potential positive mental health outcomes
How you can play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell your friends, family, workmates or school friends. The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Businesses can sponsor us or make a charitable donation and/or offer rewards to our supporters. Not only will this encourage people to donate a little bit more, but it will also promote your company
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!
5. Gift Aid your pledge. If you are a UK taxpayer, if you gift aid your donation, the club can claim back an additional 25% of your pledge - at no cost to you. Simply 'check' the Gift aid box when you are making your pledge