This Saturday in Islington, London, a local boxing-focused community project that provides help and support to [primarily] homeless individuals of all ages holds it’s 4th annual fundraiser, known as ‘The Big Spar 2015.’
Caris Boxing Club was founded in 2012 by Sam Hadfield in his role working for the charity of the same name [Caris Islington], and since it’s inception has attracted a diverse clientele with a focus on teaching not only boxing knowledge in the ring, but how to apply some of those lessons outside of it and into everyday life.
Reliant solely on funding from within the community, Caris Boxing deals with those suffering with not only housing issues, but the often soul-destroying cycle of homelessness, depression, substance misuse and repeat offending that often proves such an insurmountable obstacle for those caught within it’s grasp.
The fundraising day sees the ABA registered club put on around 20 non-competitive sparring bouts between it’s clients and a host of ex-fighters, as well as auctioning off any boxing related items donated to the club, which Hadfield is assisted in the running of by head coach Paul Hammick.
“We’ve had a lot of ex-boxers come in to help, some who have struggled with depression themselves following their ring careers coming to an end,” Hadfield told me about Saturday’s fundraiser as well as prior “Big Spar” events.
“Over the last four years I’ve approached a lot of ex-pros to get involved, and local fighters like [former British & EBU bantamweight champion] Ian Napa have lent a hand, sparring with some of our homeless lads, building up their confidence.
“Last year we had ex [WBU lightweight] world champion Colin Dunne come down and [Former fighter and Britsh referee] Ian-Jon Lewis is quite heavily involved. He’ll be there again this year.
“It’s a big fun day, and we’re involved with the London ex-boxers association [LEBA] so a lot of the old boys come down and offer their support. It’s all non-competitive but provides great memories for our lads and can do wonders for their confidence.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRTWaAl1iP8
This year’s “Big Spar” takes place at the Pooles Park School, Lennox Road, London N4 from 6pm. Tickets for the event are £10. For more information log on to www.carisboxing.com or contact Sam Hadfield via the club’s facebook page.
Twitter @Undilutedpoison
