On Tuesday, the MTC Kilimanjaro Boxing Club launched its School Boxing Awareness program in the Zambezi region.
The initiative will take MTC Kilimanjaro Boxing Club to eight of the 14 regions in Namibia, where they will educate students on the sport of boxing, hold boxing workshops and training in what is expected to be over 100 schools. The Boxing Club also plans to scout for potential pro boxing talent as they attempt to grow a sport with a longstanding, rich history in Namibia.
MTC Kilimanjaro Boxing Club hosts and promotes both amateur and pro events in Namibia, leveraging the former to find prospective professionals.
“We are taking boxing to schools with the aim of scouting for talent. I believe the most talented boxers are in schools, and it’s best to groom them at a young age,” said Club founder and owner, Joseph Bernhard, to New Era Live.
The latest project is expected to run through August and will cover Kavango East and Kavango West, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Oshana, Omusati, and Kunene. At least four schools will receive training each day. A special event will be held at the end of the program for the most talented boxers.
“The focus will be on teaching them the basics of boxing. How to punch, defend, and even understand the sport itself. We aim to educate everyone – pupils and teachers alike, about the world of boxing,” said Bernhard.
The schools are equally excited about this program. Teacher Matamu Moses told New Era, “It will expose pupils to a new sport, give them a hobby, and who knows, maybe we could even get the next world champion from among them! It’s a great chance for them to try something new, and starting young is key.”
“Not only will we host the event in the regions, but we will also bring one of our main boxing events to the regions, showcasing the sport at its best,” said Bernhard. “It will be a way of us giving back to the community, and what would be the best way to end the program than hosting the final event with the best boxers showcasing talent at the school level.”
