A BOXING club that has become one of the most decorated in the country received a shoutout in Parliament after its achievements and commitment in Leigh.
As previously reported by the Journal, Leigh Boxing and Fitness has received increasing success from its humble facility space on Scott Street, off Wigan Road.
With around 50 to 60 young people attending the club's daily sessions, the club is credited for giving youngsters a productive outlet and developing them to become better boxers and better people.
With an ever-increasing number of 'Team Leigh' boxers becoming champions in recent years, two of their hottest prospects, Will Hewitt and Ella Thompson, were invited to join the Great Britain boxing squad this month.
This builds on successive national titles for the pair, who have both been ranked as the country's best boxers in their weight divisions, while 13-year-old Coley Rimmer has also been selected for the England youth squad after winning the England Boxing National Schoolboy Title in May.
The pair will join up with Will's brother Paddy in the Great Britain set up, a boxer who has won several national and international titles and was selected in Team GB's supporting squad for the Paris Olympics.
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With the debate organised to celebrate the performance and successes of Team GB in the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, Jo Platt also used her speech to applaud the other athletes in our constituency, including Ella Toone, Tom Aspinall, Gregg Warburton, and of course, the Olympic gold medallist Keely Hodgkinson.
As well as Leigh Boxing and Fitness, Ms Platt also commended the achievements of other sporting clubs such as Leigh Leopards and the Tyldesley Swimming and Water Polo club.
"I am therefore utterly delighted and profoundly grateful to the wonderful people of Leigh, Atherton, Tyldesley, Lowton, Golborne and parts of Astley for entrusting me with the chance to serve them once again.
"I rise to speak in today’s debate to highlight the positives that our constituency brings, especially in the realm of diversity in sport.
"Leigh and Atherton is a proud sporting town. Our beloved rugby league team, the Leigh Leopards, continue to inspire. While we faced a tough match against our main rivals, the Wigan Warriors, last Saturday— I reluctantly extend my congratulations to the Secretary of State, who is no longer in her place, on her team’s victory — let us not overlook the importance of sportsmanship and community pride that both borough teams embody.
"It is not just the big teams that we honour; our constituency is rich with inclusive grassroots sports, which form the bedrock of our sporting culture. From rugby league and union to football, cricket and even a very successful girls water polo club in Tyldesley, the diversity of our clubs ensures that there is something for everyone.
"Each club, regardless of size, plays a vital role in fostering talent and building community connections. We have Tom Aspinall, from Atherton, an Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight champion, and the wonderful Ella Toone, from Tyldesley, our female superstar lioness, whose legacy continues to inspire the next generation of women football players.
"I must also mention Leigh boxing club, a humble facility that has become one of the most decorated clubs in the country, producing champion after champion. One stand-out fighter, Paddy Hewitt, had the honour of supporting the Olympic boxing team in Paris in July.
"On a recent visit to the club, I was extremely encouraged to hear all the young boxers, male and female, express their wish to compete at the next Olympics.
"Last but not least, we have our very own Olympic gold medallist, Keely Hodgkinson, who achieved a remarkable gold medal in the 800 metres event.
"I am sure that when she took to the track, this House and the whole country held their breath, knowing that we were witnessing a defining moment. Keely’s journey is awe-inspiring.
"Her incredible talent and aspiration were supported by her club, Leigh Harriers— a club that has been in existence since 1909 and forms part of the heritage of Leigh, and of which I am extremely proud.
"Gregg’s journey is inspirational to watch; he showcases the importance of inclusivity in sport and emboldens the next generation of Paralympic athletes.
"It is often joked that there must be something in the water in such a small constituency to have produced so many fantastic athletes, but I believe that there is something even bigger at play: the steadfast support of the community leaders who run our clubs, and the passion and commitment of the coaches, volunteers and supporters, which create an environment where young athletes from all backgrounds can thrive.
"Our schools also play a significant role in this success, and I highlight in particular Fred Longworth high school, where both Ella Toone and Keely Hodgkinson studied.
"We admire Keely, Gregg, Paddy and all our athletes, but we are equally proud of all the young people who contribute to the rich sporting culture that exists in our towns. Their hard work, dedication and spirit exemplify the best of our community.
"I am pleased to support a Government that are dedicated to developing the inclusivity of the creative industries. I am sure that the Minister agrees that it is crucial that we have the same focus on the sports sector, so that we create an equal access guarantee for all sports in schools and community groups, and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to pursue their dreams."
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