In support of boxing in schools

Dear Editor,

Re: Giving our young people another opportunity to flourish

Thank you Mata'afa Keni Lesa for another great article. 

Right now in Samoa, any programme that can benefit our youth is a good programme. Our youth are starving for employment opportunities but there are no jobs for them. 

At least programmes like these such as boxing will give them hope and an opportunity for a brighter future for some. Any youth can make it and achieve their goals and dreams if they want to and are prepared to sacrifice and give their all – it’s all about having the right attitude. 

The same goes with achieving anything in life – it comes down to having the right attitude.

There have been a lot of criticism about this boxing programme from parents and people and I understand why as they are concerned about violence. 

Boxing as a sport is not only about teaching them how to box/fight but it is also all about respect - it is not about violence. Before the coach trains any youth who wishes to become a boxer, the coach asks him a lot of questions to see if he is genuine about taking up boxing as a career and before they hit the punching bag. The coach will tell them that boxing is about respecting those around them, their families and the community. 

The coach will also remind them that they are not allowed to touch/hit anyone or get involved in any fight outside of the ring because once they learn how to box, they become a walking, ‘deadly weapon.’ 

Once they get involved in a fight outside of the ring, their boxing career is out the window. That’s why you hardly hear of any boxer getting involved in a scuffle or a fight outside of the ring. 

It happened to Joseph Parker before he became famous. He was attacked by two brothers and instead of getting into a fight with them, he simply walked away. It’s like that with many boxers around the world. 

Any coach that continues to coach a youth that does not listen and has an attitude problem; is an idiot coach and should never be a coach. I am supportive of this programme and good luck to those who are involved. 

For Samoa to change for the better, we must change the way we see and do things. 

WE SAMOANS AS ATHLETES ARE BORN NATURAL AND SUPERIOR (EXCEPT FOR CORRUPT PM TUILAEPA AND HIS CORRUPT HRPP LOL). ALL WE NEED ARE OUR NATURAL TALENTS TO BE POLISHED WITH THE HELP OF THE RIGHT COACHES, COACHING STAFF AND RESOURCES.

Mebahel Raguel

Samoa Observer

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