Knockout Extremism initiative goes from strength to strength
May 9, 2019 | by Matt Halfpenny
The Knock Out Extremism initiative has taken further positive steps forward following the running of two successful projects in April.
Firstly, Peterborough Police Boxing Club hosted the second official Knock Out Extremism event at The Queen Katharine Academy in Peterborough.
Alongside a show of 14 tightly-contested bouts boxed across all age groups, various messages from prevent officer Richard Ellison, as well as the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner, were delivered.
The initiative has been developed with the aim of preventing radicalisation by using boxing as a diversionary tactic.
Chris Baker, head coach at Peterborough Police ABC, said: “It was another fantastic show from the team at Peterborough Police Boxing Club and a massive thanks has to go to our awesome team of volunteers and coaches who all put in a quality shift to make it such a successful show.
“And, of course, our boxers were fantastic too. They did the club proud and I can honestly say they’re all improving with every bout. We really do have some fantastic talent within the club and several future stars in the making.”
It is hoped to expand the programme beyond Peterborough in the very near future.
Following on from this, the Knockout Extremism team travelled to The English Institute of Sport in Sheffield to deliver their prevent training to the England Boxing Club Support Officer team.
These nine Club Support Officers are now set to spread their newly-acquired knowledge across their vast network of amateur boxing clubs.
Richard Ellison of Knock Out Extremism said: “It was a great presentation, with great interaction and input from everyone that attended.”
“The team would love to see this training rolled out across boxing clubs nationally, with the intention of educating club volunteers on radicalisation and the processes in which certain organisations undertake to target young people.”
If you would like further information on Knock Out Extremism, please email: tom.paget@www.englandboxing.org
