Boxing teaches kids life-long skills

The students at Owhata Primary School have learned life-long skills through a local boxing programme.

The Ultimate P4mance - a Champion Made programme is run by Roto Vegas Gym head coach Aaron Warren and coach Lee Edmunds for local schools.

It teaches students fitness, boxing techniques and skills which help them learn self control and boost self esteem and confidence.

Students from Owhata, Rangitahi College, Murupara Primary School, Kaingaroa Forest Primary School, Kea St Specialist School and Tawhiao School are taking part.

Yesterday, 20 students - 10 Year 6 girls and 10 Year 5 boys - from Owhata celebrated finishing the programme.

The school held a special assembly where students received medals and certificates.

Students Emily Lodge, 11, Dikisha Dahya, 11, and Antonio Changtime, 10, received special awards for demonstrating the three D's - determination, discipline and dedication.

Mr Warren said they believed those three values made up a champion.

"We want to give kids more confidence and [this programme] is what we've found is working," the head coach said.

He said that they wanted to add to what schools were already doing.

"We're just reinforcing a lot of the stuff that schools are already doing."

Mr Warren said Owhata School's principal Bob Stiles had been very supportive of the programme.

"He's a great role model and connects well with the children."

Mr Stiles said he had noticed a big change in the students who had taken part.

"One thing I noticed most was the student's ability to set goals and work towards them and they've transferred that skill to other areas of their lives, not just boxing."

Mr Stiles said all students would go through the programme at some stage.

"There are just so many morals they can learn from it."