Belfast boxing project heading to USA as part of unique exchange programme
A unique boxing exchange programme aimed at introducing kids to different cultures and sporting experiences is preparing for its latest trans-Atlantic adventure.
A group of young Irish fighters will travel to Boston and Buffalo next week as part of the Bridges Beyond Boxing initiative.
Bridges Beyond Boxing is a charity organisation which brings young boxers from deprived areas in Belfast and across the island of Ireland to the United States to take part in boxing shows every year. Outside of the ring they also enjoy different cultural and life experiences with host families there.
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The group was set up in 2016 when Brendan Lowe pitched the idea of taking a group of young boxers to the United States to compete against American boxers from similar backgrounds.
Brendan continues to be involved with the project alongside his son, former Irish champion Joe Lowe, and Alan Martin from Scorpions Boxing Club in Ballymoney.
It was initially established as a cross-community project, but now it caters for kids from all backgrounds regardless of religion, culture or race.
Joe said: "We started this as a cross community initiative, but it has grown into a multi-cultural project that we are very proud of. We have kids from all different backgrounds, and they have all come together through the boxing community.
"We have a lot of contacts in the United States and they are keen to invite us over. Last year we stayed with families in Detroit and Cincinnati, and then the US team came to Belfast in November.
"Our first trip back in 2016 was to Detroit, where I had connections. Since then it has evolved into something much bigger. We give these kids valuable life experiences, and they get to travel the world. These are kids aged from 12 to 19 or 20, many of whom have never been out of their own areas.
"Sport brings people together, especially boxing. We are over there and the kids are boxing each other, and then they are friends."
Midland boxer Gary McCombe is one of the boxers heading to Boston and Buffalo, alongside Jude Reilly (Immaculata), Carl Killyleagh (St Paul’s), Aoife Dougan (Armagh), Jamie Graham (Clonard), Billy Boyd (Scorpion), Kelly McLoughlin (St Catherine’s, Dublin), Lee Hanna (Townland), Ciaran O’Neil (Scorpion), Bobbi Flood (Cabra, Dublin), Liam Weatherall (Star of the Sea, Faughanvale) and Richard Cunningham (St Joseph’s, Derry).
Joe Lowe will be joined by Scorpion BC's Martin, Cahir Duffy (St Joseph’s, Derry) and Barry Tucker who will help mentor the kids during their stay in the States.
"We are heading out on May 21. We are taking 12 kids from clubs, including two boxers from Dublin," Joe added.
"We are going to Boston and Buffalo as part of this upcoming trip. The kids get to experience different cultures and cities, as well as box.
"The project is brilliant. And it is good for all the kids who have taken part over the years from Belfast, Waterford, Dublin and wherever. And then we host teams from America. They come over and stay with families here.
"The project was started by my dad, Alan Martin and myself. And the three of us are still running it. We have brought another couple of people onboard to help us, and it is just getting bigger and bigger."
The travelling group had their final training session at Midland Boxing Club on Sunday, attended by former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton.
Joe says all the participating boxers are excited to travel to Boston and Buffalo.
"It is a good mix heading over on this trip. And they are all excited," he said.
"They all got to meet each other on Sunday at Midland Boxing Club, and Carl Frampton came along to show his support.
"It is a great experience for these kids, and boxing is the vehicle that takes them to these places.
"It is also thanks to our main sponsor Cluberly who have shown us great support. They are a new company set to launch in September dedicated to supporting sports fans and clubs around the world."
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