Hyndburn boxing club gives youngsters a taste of the Olympic spirit (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Hyndburn boxing club gives youngsters a taste of the Olympic spirit

3:00pm Saturday 25th August 2012 in Hyndburn

A BOXING club has given youngsters a taste of the Olympic spirit as part of a new project in Hyndburn.

‘Be R.E.D.I.E (Respect, Equality, Determination, Inspiration and Excellence) offered 50 young boxing fans a chance to take part in five 45 minute sessions with a qualified kick boxing instructor.

The project was aimed at reducing alcohol related anti-social behaviour and violence by providing young people with a safe environment to channel their energy, whilst educating them about the consequences associated with drinking excessively and taking drugs.

The teenagers were also given talks by various agencies and charities including the police, Trading Standards and ‘Every Action Has Consequences’ - a charity set up by Blackburn father David Rogers, whose son Adam was killed from a single punch while trying to prevent a fight in Blackburn town centre.

The continued progress of the youngsters will be monitored by Hyndburn's Youth Involvement Officers and a police volunteer. Additional or alternative support will be offered if and when it is needed.

PCSO Sarah Aspden, who set up the project with PCSO Lauren McKenna, said: “The project is designed to give young people the opportunity to change, to give them goals to aim for and channel their energy in a positive way.

“We would like to thank Trading Standards and the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC) for the funding, without which the project would not have been possible.

“The young people involved have worked hard, shown a huge amount of effort and determination throughout and they should be proud of their achievements.”

Hyndburn Coun Pam Barton said: “Boxing and martial arts are a great way of channelling energies in a positive way and what better time than during the Olympics to launch the project which will hopefully see many people carry on participating in sport.”

Anyone who would like further information about the project should call PCSO Aspden on 01254 353103.