The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department hosted 200 aspiring boxers at the annual Dunoon Recreation Hub Boxing Tournament today.

About 200 aspiring male and female boxers took to the ring today during the annual tournament which is aimed at grooming amateur boxers and preparing them on their journey to becoming professional, or simply encouraging them to enjoy participating in the sport.

The annual event is in its seventh year and has seen local contenders proudly represent South Africa at top sporting events. Many of them have returned to contribute to the Dunoon Recreation Hub boxing programme to coach the youth, and also serve as role models to the community.

The Dunoon Recreation Hub has partnered with the Inkwenkwezi Boxing Club since 2012 and this partnership has contributed significantly to the development of boxing in the Dunoon community.

“Boxing has become a popular sport in Dunoon, and we endeavor to develop talent for the future,” said Inkwenkwezi Boxing Club Chairperson, Andile Simolwana.

City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien said the boxing tournament is the flagship event of the Dunoon Recreation Hub where the City’s Recreation and Parks Department is committed to ensuring that as many young people as possible have access to sport codes and opportunities.

“The Dunoon boxing tournament is an important programme in our development structures, as sports is vital to the holistic development of young people and their physical, social and emotional health,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

The tournament, which is well supported by the community, brought together amateur boxers aged 11 to 40 from the community of Dunoon and surrounding areas who competed for the best spot in their respective weight classes.

‘This is an event where participants are given an opportunity to showcase what they have been taught, and to positively influence others to pursue healthy lifestyles through the sport of boxing,’ added Councillor Badroodien.

‘Boxing is a sport which provides many benefits. It’s a good way to work off stress, it’s a full-body workout and boxing improves hand-eye coordination, body strength and is good for cardiovascular health and burning calories. The value of participating in sports cannot be underestimated and it reinforces self-esteem and a positive attitude,’ said Councillor Badroodien.