COLCHESTER’S very own boxing hero will return to his former place of work tomorrow to lead a special masterclass for teenagers.
Lewis Richardson, who won a bronze medal in the men’s middleweight boxing at this year’s Commonwealth Games, will host a boxing lesson at Leisure World.
The hard-hitter worked at the Cowdray Avenue complex between 2016 and 2020 and remains a member, still regularly using the site’s facilities.
Lewis, who recently claimed a gold medal at the Tammer Tournament, in Finland, has now thrown his support behind the Active Essex Foundation Box Smart initiative.
The forward-thinking programme is designed to give young people aged between 13 and 15 the opportunity to learn the techniques and disciplines of boxing.
It is also used as a platform from which to discuss staying safe in the community and the consequences of risk taking and anti-social behaviour and substance misuse.
As part of scheme, Lewis will now lead a one-off sports masterclass from 4.30pm tomorrow for the youngsters enrolled in the programme.
He said: “As someone who grew up in Colchester, it’s amazing to be able to take part in a project like this.
“Focusing on sport can have such a positive effect on young people, as it has me.
“I’m delighted to be able to share my skills and experience to hopefully have a positive influence on others.”
The project is a partnership between Colchester Borough Homes, Active Essex Foundation, Safer Colchester Partnerships, Alresford Boxing Club, and the Youth service.
Suzanne Page, sports and youth crime prevention project lead for the Active Essex Foundation, said: “It’s been great to be able to work in collaboration with the ABC Boxing club and North-Essex Youth Service to deliver a targeted youth intervention course to young people.
“Sometimes it can be hard to keep young people’s interest when we are trying to deliver key messages around crime reduction and keeping safe in their community, but sport bridges that gap.
“Providing BoxSmart sessions gives the opportunity for us to speak to young people in a language they understand and engage them in pro-social activity, guidance and education.
“The engagement by the young people has been fantastic and we can already see positive outcomes. A second course will be running in Tiptree early next year.”
Philip Sullivan, chief executive of Colchester Borough Homes, said they partnership is also trying to persuade other local athletes to share their skills with the youth.
He said: “It’s fantastic to see the Box Smart participants getting stuck into this fantastic project, and it’s a privilege to have Lewis join us and offer his support.
“Projects such as this make a real positive impact on both local communities and individuals.”
“Lewis wasn’t the only local athlete with links to Leisure World and Colchester Sports Park to achieve success this year.
“Laura Stephens, a member of Colchester Swimming Club, who use Leisure World’s fitness pool, took a silver medal in the Women’s 200m Butterfly at the Commonwealth Games.
“Jodie Taylor, who trains at Colchester Sports Park, also won a national junior sprint cycling title this year.
“Leisure World and Colchester Sports Park are looking for opportunities to work with Laura and Jodie in the future, with the hope of being able to inspire more local people across the borough.”
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