Seconds out at the opening of Moss Side Fire Station boxing gym

10 June 2008

On Thursday 12th June at 11am the official opening of a dedicated boxer training facility at Moss Side Fire Station will take place, witnessed by a number of local boxing superstars who have pledged to attend , including Ricky Hatton, Amir Khan and David Haye. A number of other popular local fighters will be there to support the opening and will include Jamie Moor, John Murray and Joe Murray.

This is the third boxing event that the firefighters from Moss Side have organised for the young people in the area. This project is designed to engage with them, providing a safe and structured environment to learn the skills of boxing as well as educating them on fire safety issues , the dangers of fire setting  and some of the dangers that all the community face when fire fighters are attacked. The scheme is also planned to be used to assist other agencies in projects they are running in the area.

Graham Plant, Manchester South Borough Commander for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said, "Moss Side is a very diverse area, culturally with many social and economic conditions that are unique; these factors have produced a youth culture where gang involvement and crime is an all too real danger for many young people.  By providing these training facilities and working with the community groups in the area we believe we can have a positive influence on the young people who are drawn by the kudos of boxing, increasing their self esteem and helping to form citizens of the future, whilst having ambassadors for the fire service on the streets of Moss Side".

Press enquires
All enquiries regarding this press statement should be made to:

The Media Liaison Officer
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters
146 Bolton Road
Swinton
Manchester
M27 8US

Telephone: 0161 608 4090/1
Fax: 0161 608 4095