Menu
10/12/2013
Separate NI Boxing Club Would 'Heighten Sectarian Tensions'
The establishment of a separate boxing entity in Northern Ireland would further heighten the sectarian tensions that exist within the sport on an amateur level, according to a new report by the Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA).
The amateur sport in Northern Ireland has experienced "incidents of sectarianism and racism" the report also said.
The IABA carried out the report following allegations from the mainly Protestant Sandy Row Club in Belfast that its members had suffered sectarianism while boxing in nationalist areas.
Dr Duncan Morrow, a former chief executive of the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council, headed the group that produced the report.
He said that, despite the issues resulting from sectarianism in the all-Ireland club, "the creation of a separate federation for boxers in Northern Ireland would deepen and accelerate sectarian divisions."
The report said boxers from Northern Ireland should have the option of representing Great Britain in Olympic Games or other international tournaments, under the Good Friday Agreement.
Current Northern Ireland boxers can only represent Ireland in international competition unless they relocate to Great Britain.
It said procedures should be in place to tackle sectarianism and racism within the amateur sport and that penalties should be imposed on clubs for failing to enforce anti-sectarianism policy.
It advised against setting up a new Northern Ireland boxing governing body, but said a code of conduct must be developed surrounding flags and symbols.
Northern Ireland's Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín welcomed the report.
"I welcome the report and recognise the work of the Independent Working Group in engaging with boxing clubs across the north to promote and sustain the sport," she said.
"But it is important to acknowledge the good work which goes on throughout the sport of boxing. As well as providing health and emotional wellbeing benefits, it has broken down divisions and brought people together. Its impact goes beyond individuals and into the wider community.
"This report was dealing with a small minority of cases, based on factors which originate outside the sport, and usually prompted by those with no interest in boxing. It should not undermine the positivity within boxing, nor take away from the hundreds of people who have found it a positive force for good."
Minister Ní Chuilín continued: "It is clear that there is no room for sectarianism in sport and the IABA must take the necessary actions to address this issue. While issues of national identity are a matter for the individual athlete, it is important that such issues do not disenfranchise our stars of the future from progressing through their sport."
(IT/CD)
The amateur sport in Northern Ireland has experienced "incidents of sectarianism and racism" the report also said.
The IABA carried out the report following allegations from the mainly Protestant Sandy Row Club in Belfast that its members had suffered sectarianism while boxing in nationalist areas.
Dr Duncan Morrow, a former chief executive of the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council, headed the group that produced the report.
He said that, despite the issues resulting from sectarianism in the all-Ireland club, "the creation of a separate federation for boxers in Northern Ireland would deepen and accelerate sectarian divisions."
The report said boxers from Northern Ireland should have the option of representing Great Britain in Olympic Games or other international tournaments, under the Good Friday Agreement.
Current Northern Ireland boxers can only represent Ireland in international competition unless they relocate to Great Britain.
It said procedures should be in place to tackle sectarianism and racism within the amateur sport and that penalties should be imposed on clubs for failing to enforce anti-sectarianism policy.
It advised against setting up a new Northern Ireland boxing governing body, but said a code of conduct must be developed surrounding flags and symbols.
Northern Ireland's Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín welcomed the report.
"I welcome the report and recognise the work of the Independent Working Group in engaging with boxing clubs across the north to promote and sustain the sport," she said.
"But it is important to acknowledge the good work which goes on throughout the sport of boxing. As well as providing health and emotional wellbeing benefits, it has broken down divisions and brought people together. Its impact goes beyond individuals and into the wider community.
"This report was dealing with a small minority of cases, based on factors which originate outside the sport, and usually prompted by those with no interest in boxing. It should not undermine the positivity within boxing, nor take away from the hundreds of people who have found it a positive force for good."
Minister Ní Chuilín continued: "It is clear that there is no room for sectarianism in sport and the IABA must take the necessary actions to address this issue. While issues of national identity are a matter for the individual athlete, it is important that such issues do not disenfranchise our stars of the future from progressing through their sport."
(IT/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 July 2022
New Belfast Boxing Strategy 'Major Success For The City'
A new Belfast Boxing Strategy has been welcomed as a "major success for the city" by Lord Mayor Christina Black as she welcomed boxing coaches from nations across the Commonwealth to City Hall. The 22nd Commonwealth Games take place in Birmingham this month, and the coaches along with their fighters were in the city for a pre games training camp.
New Belfast Boxing Strategy 'Major Success For The City'
A new Belfast Boxing Strategy has been welcomed as a "major success for the city" by Lord Mayor Christina Black as she welcomed boxing coaches from nations across the Commonwealth to City Hall. The 22nd Commonwealth Games take place in Birmingham this month, and the coaches along with their fighters were in the city for a pre games training camp.
01 May 2013
£600,000 For Belfast's Boxers
Belfast City Council is to inject £600,000 to improve amateur boxing in the city. Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Tierna Cunningham has officially launched the strategy.
£600,000 For Belfast's Boxers
Belfast City Council is to inject £600,000 to improve amateur boxing in the city. Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Tierna Cunningham has officially launched the strategy.
26 June 2012
More Olympic Athletes To Train In NI
The Sports Minister has announced that five more countries have chosen Northern Ireland as their training centre in the run-up to the London Olympics. Three boxing teams from Columbia, Canada and Puerto Rica and two athletics teams from Algeria and Djibouti are to train here over the next couple of weeks.
More Olympic Athletes To Train In NI
The Sports Minister has announced that five more countries have chosen Northern Ireland as their training centre in the run-up to the London Olympics. Three boxing teams from Columbia, Canada and Puerto Rica and two athletics teams from Algeria and Djibouti are to train here over the next couple of weeks.
27 September 2012
MLAs Visit Belfast Boxing Club
Northern Ireland MLAs are to visit a Belfast boxing club which claims to have been subjected to sectarianism for a decade.
MLAs Visit Belfast Boxing Club
Northern Ireland MLAs are to visit a Belfast boxing club which claims to have been subjected to sectarianism for a decade.
25 January 2023
Lidl Selects 25 Schools For Mental Health Athlete Mentorship Programme
Lidl Northern Ireland have chosen 25 secondary schools across the region to benefit from a dedicated Mental Health Athlete Mentorship programme this academic year as part of the retailer's award-winning Sport for Good initiative, with each school also scoring £1,000 worth of brand-new sports equipment.
Lidl Selects 25 Schools For Mental Health Athlete Mentorship Programme
Lidl Northern Ireland have chosen 25 secondary schools across the region to benefit from a dedicated Mental Health Athlete Mentorship programme this academic year as part of the retailer's award-winning Sport for Good initiative, with each school also scoring £1,000 worth of brand-new sports equipment.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
