Young Longford boxer Alex Miller is getting so much out of the sport that he organised a free community event to incentivise local kids to emerge from their bedrooms, put down their devices and try some physical activity on a Saturday morning.
Alex organised a “Come and try boxing day” at Health Revival, Longford, with help from his coach and mentor Brodie Dudman, of Perth, who he trains with every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
For the Scotch Oakburn College student, it was his chosen EY8 (End of Year 8) Dash project which asks students to take on the role of an ‘active explorer’ through an adventurous learning journey.
Over a four-month period, students have to design a practical, hands-on project that is an exciting personal adventure, undertake activities that both positively contribute to the community but also stretch them beyond their perceived capabilities.
Alex’s boxing day drew in about 20 participants which was a pleasant surprise.
It also served as a fundraiser for mental health charity Speak Up! Stay Chatty, and he’s close to reaching his target of $300.
Alex has been boxing for two years, an unusual combination with his other sporting love – polocrosse.
“As soon as I tried it I liked it, and I know some of those who came along on Saturday enjoyed it too because they said they’ll keep on doing it,” Alex said.
“It’s great for fitness and everyone learned some basic boxing skills like stance, punches and how to move.”
The 14-year-old said he has until August 28 to raise money for his charity of choice and he welcomes any donations.
His fundraising was boosted when Health Revival instructor Justin Cooper told Alex he’d donated $1 for every stomach punch if Brodie took 50 punches off Alex on the day.
By the time he’d taken an extra 50 punches Justin now owes Alex $100.
“My aim was to show the kids, like I learned when I started years ago, that boxing doesn’t have to be a vicious sport,” Brodie said.
“But it is a disciplined sport, and the perfect way to just let go, de-stress, and if you’re like me and need to socialise it’s perfect – basically it keeps me sane.”
Next week there will be a school presentation evening for the students to communicate their achievements and then they will be assessed on the attributes around being innovative, courageous, agile, an effective communicator and self-regulating.
It looks like Alex has it in the (punching) bag.