Taranaki Boxing Rings in Success with NZCT Grant!

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has granted the Taranaki Boxing Association $8,000 to purchase a new competition ring for amateur events in the Taranaki region helping to boost participation and local interest in the sport.

Association Secretary and Treasurer Jake Rápira says: “Previously, there was only one boxing ring available in Taranaki, but it didn’t meet safety standards for amateur events. This left us unable to host competitions locally, forcing teams to travel, which was costly for our club members. Now, thanks to NZCT, we can purchase a new ring that meets all the required standards. This will allow us to host amateur events here in Taranaki, which hasn’t been possible since 2014. It also means huge savings in travel costs for our athletes, many of whom come from low-decile areas.”

Taranaki Boxing Association President Te Amoroa Clifton comments: “The boxing ring will be of huge value and benefit for our community as it will be used to host a raft of tournaments and events. This will bring more exposure to our sport of boxing which will in turn bring attention in our community to the sport of boxing.”

Sam Rápira, former New Zealand and Asia Pacific Light Heavyweight Professional Champion, adds: “Having an international standard ring will be so beneficial to our upcoming athletes - and having the ability to replicate international competition is going to be invaluable.”

NZCT’s GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, adds, “We’re delighted that the new competition ring will provide a safer and more appealing boxing experience for members ". Our grant wouldn’t be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our Taranaki venues.”