A CASH boost of £250,000 has given Hanwell School of Boxing a fighting chance as it held its first tournament of the season at the weekend.
More than 250 people turned out for the event on Saturday night (November 19) off Boston Road, which was attended by pugilists from as far afield as Milton Keynes, Suffolk and Berinsfield.
And it was a great night for the school as fighters Sean McLoughlin, 13, Dominik Wychowaniec, 14, Rameen Farooqy, 15 and 22 year old Anthony Wilson all won bouts on the night.
Senior coach Tony Woodley said: “When we found out we’d got the money, we didn’t believe it at first because we’d all been trying for so long that we’d almost gone numb.
“It was fantastic news, though. Now we can give the school and the rest of the community a proper facility that everyone can be proud.”
Ealing Council put in at least £120,000 towards the school, based in Wildley Close, with the rest coming from national sports grant bodies and also contributions from Northfield Warm Forum.
Mr Woodley said: “The plan is to put it all back into the building where we’re based. We were delighted when we discovered how much we’d got as it means we won’t have to close down, which can only be a good thing.
“The plan is to keep going. We’re getting more people signing up to join the club and we now have three girl boxers, so we’re having a brilliant season. This is something where all the community is coming together to support it.”
Anyone who would like more information or is interested in joining can visit the website www.hanwellschoolofboxing.com
