Published: Wednesday, 2nd July, 2008 12:00
Olympic champ backs opening of No Messin' Gym
By Iain Robertson
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Boxing champ Dick McTaggart with Lucy Hawkes.
Pic by: Jan van der Merwe
OLYMPIC boxing gold medallist Dick McTaggart put the gloves back on to support the opening of the ‘No Messin’ boxing gym in Alloa.
No Messin’ is a nationwide campaign by Network Rail to reduce rail trespass committed by young people – and is now the new name of the former Bowmar Centre’s Gym.
Dick McTaggart, who won his gold medal in Melbourne in 1956, admired a new championship size boxing ring donated by Network Rail, and said, “It’s fantastic for the town and it will help keep kids off the streets.”
The backing given to the Bowmar-based boxing club follows the popular No Messin’ Live! event in Alloa last year – and the two-day event will return to the town again this year on 23 and 24 July.
Along with Alloa Amateur Boxing Club, No Messin’ will also sponsor Tullibody Wrestling Club.
Mark Henderson, Network Rail’s route crime education manager for Scotland, said, “Last year’s No Messin’ Live event in Alloa was hugely successful and we have extended our commitment to the area this year to help provide young people with better things to do than playing near the railway line.
“Boxing and wrestling were hugely popular at last year’s event, and to help both clubs develop, we have given them No Messin’ sponsorship.
“We have paid for a full-size ring and new kit for the boxing club, while the wrestling club will receive new kit and three scholarships for the most promising members.”
Alan Harper, the assistant coach of the wrestling club, said, “The scholarships are great as it will allow our members to take part in the monthly British training development squad meetings held in Manchester.”
The support given by the Network Rail campaign can only help add to the achievements of the club, who have just returned from the British Championships in Brighton, where they collected six medals.
Lewis Waddell, one of youngsters who will attend the sessions in Manchester, said the club played an important role in the lives of young people.
He added, “It is a great club, you can compete in championships and it keeps young people out of trouble.”
Provost Derek Stewart said, “I’m delighted to welcome this cash boost for two of the county’s sports clubs.
“This support and sponsorship will help the clubs go from strength to strength and allow them to continue their work teaching youngsters the valuable lessons of dedication, discipline, respect, honour, fitness, camaraderie and ambition.”
National Railways education officer, Martin Gallagher, said, “This is about providing opportunities for young people and is not just a safety campaign.”
p The Wrestling Club meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in the Tullibody Civic Centre, 7-9pm. The club would welcome new members aged seven and up.
For more details call the Head Coach, Colin McLaren, 07828 724 038.
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