LONDON IRISH businessman Mick Crossan has been rewarded with a 'Champion's Belt' for his services to amateur boxing in the capital.
Mr Crossan's generosity and commitment to young participants in the sport through his relationship with London Amateur Boxing Association (ABA) was recognised during a special presentation earlier this month.
The Powerday Chairman teamed up with London ABA over four years ago with a view of supporting boxing clubs around the city with health and well-being projects, particularly in marginalised and underprivileged estates.
In turn, the recycling company set up an 'athlete pathway' which led to the creation of a programme providing work and career opportunities to registered members of London ABA's 110 amateur boxing clubs.
Now, every year, a £500 bursary is made available for six successful applicants aged between 12 and 18 to help with their equipment, travel and training expenses.
London ABA Secretary and England Boxing President Keith Walters OBE has paid tribute to Mr Crossan for his help.
“Through joint working between mutual partners, over £6million of investment has been attracted into the sport which has benefited clubs and projects,” he said.
“This funding and resources have been accrued from various other agencies and partners through the Powerday-London ABA Development Programme which has gained national recognition and attracted such high profile partners as Sport England, Met Police, Comic Relief, Evening Standard's Dispossessed Fund and numerous London Boroughs who have invested into the plans and aspirations which have exceeded the targeted outcomes.
“This could not have been achieved without Mick Crossan and Powerday’s support. We all view Mick very much as the community's champion.”
