Stratford’s Copper Box to be boxing academy’s home
Barry McGuigan and London Legacy Corpoation Chief Executive Dennis Hone,centre, with youngsters at the launch of the Barry McGuigan Boxing Academy in the Copper Box, Olympic Park. - Credit: Archant
A boxing academy run by featherweight champion Barry McGuigan is set to make an Olympic legacy venue its new home.
London Legacy Corpoation Chief Executive Dennis Hone,left, and Barry McGuigan at the launch of the Barry McGuigan Boxing Academy in the Copper Box, Olympic Park. - Credit: Archant
Barry McGuigan Boxing Academy (BGBA) announced their move to The Copper Box in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Thursday (Aug 1) by hosting a day of activities at the venue for young people in east London.
BGBA signed the lease with GLL, The Copper Box’s operator, to run their youth programme and base their head offices there.
The Academy currently runs two community sports programmes funded by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) in Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, and Waltham Forest called Boxing for Health and the Happy Hearts Primary School Health Programme.
Barry McGuigan, who made a speech on the day, said: “We are incredibly excited to be a part of the ongoing legacy of the London Games and to be situated within this prolific venue is a real privilege.
“We are pleased to be able to demonstrate our commitment to continue to build and develop the momentum we have created within the communities surrounding the Park.
“We intend to be here for many years to come.”
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Dennis Hone, the chief executive of the LLDC, rang the bell to begin the celebration event in which 540 participants joined in a mass warm up, tried out boxing in the right, and took part in a number of circuit sessions and drills.
Mr Hone added: “Barry is an inspirational figure.
“The community sessions staged have been a great success with local communities.
“I’m delighted that BMBA will continue working with us from The Copper Box arena, helping us deliver a lasting healthy living and sporting legacy from the Games.”
