More on KentOnline
The next generation of boxers have all the tools they need to succeed thanks to the hard work of two men.
Gravesham Amateur Boxing Club trains at Cygnets Leisure Centre in Northfleet but was having to use broken speed balls and battered punching bags as there was no cash to replace them.
But thanks to the hard work of two club members – and the generosity of the local community – the young men and women at the club have a shiny new facility to enjoy.
Jordan Cramer and Sanjay Chhoker decided to start the fundraising to help the club.
Jordan told the Messenger: “We used to box at the club and thought it would be nice to raise a little bit of money.
“It started at £4,000 but we’ve now got just under £8,000 so we’ve made it a larger project and bought treadmills and cross trainers for them too. We were only going to repaint it but when we raised so much money we thought we might as well do a full refurb. The next generation should be set now for the next 10 to 15 years.”
The money was raised in July and Sanjay and Jordan have spent the past two months getting it ready for its grand reopening, which took place on Saturday.
While the club is primarily concerned with simply giving people from all walks of life the chance to develop their physique, get fit, and have fun, it has also provided a pathway to elite level boxing.
Chev Clarke trains there and has fought on the world stage at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and won silver at the European Championships.
Speaking earlier this year when the fundraising was happening in earnest, Chev said: “Gravesham ABC has served me amazingly. Through boxing I have gained self-confidence.
“It makes you aware of things you can and can’t do. Little things I would trip over in the past, I now step over.
“All the time invested in me at Gravesham ABC has helped me tremendously. It’s given me direction, discipline and quite frankly I’m not sure where I’d be without it.”
Chev and Gravesend-born Harry Dhami – a former British welterweight champion and the first British Asian to win a British boxing title – joined the budding boxers who were keen to try out the new equipment.
Jordan said: “I want to thank everyone who has given support – all the members of the gym, everyone who has been down to help. It’s been a real community project.”