Members lending a helping hand at Neepawa boxing club

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Published on Monday, April 7, 2014

By: Lanny Stewart

myWestman.ca

Members of the Neepawa boxing club are proving to be a big help as the club continues to take shape after opening its doors in February.

Derek Pearson, founder of Boxe Neepawa: Combat Sports Club, says several members are donating time and materials to make the club just that much better.

"The membership has been amazing with donating time and gear," said Pearson.

He says much of the time and effort has gone towards building a boxing training ring, which is around 75 per cent completed.

"The club is quickly becoming extended family for a lot of our members," he continued.

Meanwhile, membership have also donated 12-by-24 foot wrestling mats, which will be put to good use soon. The boxing club has officially registered with the Manitoba Amateur Wrestling Association and will be offering a wrestling skills program in the club in the not-too-distant future.

"Students -- mainly youth -- will progress through bronze, silver, and gold levels," Pearson explained regarding the program.

Meanwhile, Pearson says the club will be notified soon as to whether it has met all the criteria needed to become fully affiliated with Boxing Manitoba. If the club does officially become affiliated, then that means members can begin to compete in amateur boxing events.

"Once affiliation is approved, we will definitely be putting together a competitive team to participate in the various amateur cards in Manitoba," he said. "I hope to have a competitive team by summer, assuming the members that are interested in competing continue to progress as well as they have."

The club is located at B-287 Hamilton Street in Neepawa. The club is open Monday to Thursday, with youth classes beginning at 6 p.m., while adult classes get underway at 7 p.m. The gym is also usually open on Saturdays. There are no classes taking place, but the gym can be used to workout.

Pearson says he plans on extending open gym and class hours soon.

In photo: a view of the boxing ring that is currently being constructed at the club.

Photo submitted