Support Programme for Boxers, Clubs, and Coaches Launched by IABA in Paris
The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) has recently announced the launch of their new support programme, ‘Paris Wave’, aimed at assisting boxers, clubs, and coaches in preparation for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This initiative comes on the heels of Team Ireland Boxing’s successful performance at the previous Olympic Games, with standout athlete Kellie Harrington securing her second Olympic gold medal. The ‘Paris Wave’ programme is set to be implemented in 350 clubs across the association, with the goal of capitalizing on the renewed interest in the sport following the team’s achievements.
Paris Wave Programme Overview
The ‘Paris Wave’ programme focuses on five key pillars: participation growth, safeguarding, Women in Sport, Coach Education, and Boxer Wellbeing. By addressing these areas, IABA aims to provide comprehensive support to clubs and individuals involved in boxing, ensuring a holistic approach to development within the sport. Early adoption of the programme has already seen positive engagement, with 12% of clubs signing up to participate in the ‘NextGen’ component of ‘Paris Wave’.
Under the ‘NextGen’ segment, clubs will receive financial support to accommodate the growth in membership numbers. Clubs can apply for funding to conduct training sessions for new members, with IABA offering a total of E80 for the provision of four training sessions over a six-week period starting in September. This initiative aims to attract and retain new talent within the boxing community, fostering a supportive environment for aspiring athletes.
Empowering Women in Sport
One of the key aspects of the ‘Paris Wave’ programme is the focus on Women in Sport, with a dedicated conference scheduled for August 31st. The conference will include workshops on Coaching Teenage Girls, Strength and Conditioning for Female Combat Athletes, and Safeguarding Essentials. This event marks the beginning of a six-month-long series of Women in Sport workshops and learning opportunities in each province, culminating in a conference on International Women’s Day in 2025.
Sophie Doolan, IABA Women in Sport Lead, emphasized the importance of supporting clubs in enhancing their knowledge base on topics such as barriers to participation, menstrual cycle management, individualized training approaches, and issues related to body image and maturation. The initiative aims to empower female athletes and coaches within the boxing community, fostering inclusivity and promoting gender equality in the sport.
Safeguarding and Boxer Wellbeing Initiatives
In addition to supporting participation and gender equality, the ‘Paris Wave’ programme also focuses on safeguarding and boxer wellbeing. Safeguarding workshops, including both Safeguarding 1 and Safeguarding 2 learning sessions, have been integrated into the programme to ensure the safety and protection of all individuals involved in boxing. The emphasis on mental health and athlete wellbeing is evident in the planned roadshows, which will cover topics such as athlete injury awareness, mental health support for boxers, and practical safeguarding measures.
Stephen Flynn, IABA National Safeguarding Manager, highlighted the significance of empowering coaches with the necessary tools to support athletes and ensure their wellbeing. By providing comprehensive safeguarding and mental health resources, IABA aims to create a safe and supportive environment for all participants in the sport. The holistic approach to athlete development and safeguarding underscores the association’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of its members.
In conclusion, the launch of the ‘Paris Wave’ programme represents a significant step forward for the Irish Athletic Boxing Association in promoting the growth and development of boxing in Ireland. By focusing on key areas such as participation growth, gender equality, safeguarding, and athlete wellbeing, IABA aims to create a sustainable and inclusive environment for boxers, clubs, and coaches. Through ongoing initiatives and support programmes, IABA is paving the way for the next generation of boxing champions to emerge and thrive in the sport.