Sons of Boxing – the self-made non-profit gym
One man uses boxing to work in the community
Sons of Boxing; self-made non-profit gym.
“For the kids.” “Family oriented.” “Open to all.”
These are just a few of the ways Rob Hirini (boxing coach) describes his gym. The club has been going for five years, and has strong family-like qualities. Rob started boxing at 14, passing his love of the sport down through the generations.
Rob’s biggest motivation to start a non-profit gym was the children, to give everyone an equal chance to do a sport. “I wanted to help low income children,” Rob explained.
Rob, who was brought up in a lower income household, always wanted to get involved in his community.
“I wasn’t thinking about making a difference, I was just trying to help.”
Rob’s constant support is shown in how well his young students are doing. Their latest competition is overseas – they are fighting in Queensland.
The gym stays non-profit through fundraising, sponsorships and grants, such as corporate events, hangi, and fun runs. GJ Gardner, STL – Trucking, RR development and others have sponsored the club in the past, while Waikato Trust, DB Bryant Trust, Waikato Tainui have given grants. Corporate boxers help funding because the public pay to watch their fights.
Sons of Boxing could not run if it was not for Rob’s time and effort, and the sponsors of the club. It would be harder to keep the doors open, Rob said.
Being in and around the gym, the sense of family is very strong,
“”In all honesty if it wasn’t for my family, the doors wouldn’t be open, family helps the gym stay alive.”
Considering the gym started with family, it has continued right through till now. Rob’s family is always 100 percent behind all fundraising and happy to help. They are all working hard behind the scenes to give the children the best chance in the sport.
Rob’s motivation to continue the club are the children. “When I feel like I don’t want to do it anymore, I come to one training. It’s the kids that keep me going. They make me want to do it.”
What Rob does, changes many lives.
giving these children a happy, positive, caring environment. Even though boxing is not a team sport, they train as a team. Rob looks at every single member as his family. He wants to keep the gym open to be a positive safe outlet for children.
The idea for the gym’s name evolved from the fact that his sons were the gym’s first members. Most of the club were boys, and four of his sons boxed, which lead to the much-loved name, Sons of Boxing.
