Tiger Bay amateur club rewarded for its inspirational work in the community
A BOXING coach from Butetown has been crowned winner of the National Lottery 2020 Sports Award for his work in the local community.
Wasem Said, 29, opened Tiger Bay Amateur Boxing Community two years ago to give young kids the opportunity to learn mixed martial arts.
“It’s a great achievement for everyone in the gym. To get recognised at that standard is amazing and it brings more hope and more faith for our next generation,” said Wasem.
The club received an additional £3,000 cash prize from The National Lottery in recognition of its achievements.
Wasem also won the Community Spirit Award at the virtual 2020 St. David Awards earlier this summer, as well as Coach Award of the Year 2018 at Club Solutions Wales.
Wasem, who grew up in Butetown, converted an empty community centre into a gym as a tribute to his former mentor, Pat Thomas. Starting mixed martial arts then inspired him to help others in the area to combat anti-social behaviour and violence.
During lockdown, Wasem and club members distributed 120 food parcels three times a week across Butetown.
He works for the event management company, Tiger Bay Security, while balancing his life as a boxing coach.
Tiger Bay ABC now boasts more than 300 members and is looking for larger premises to accommodate more.
The club has had to turn down numerous would-be boxers due to COVID-19 rules and Welsh government guidelines.
“My mission is to change lives and to be a positive role model; to give opportunities to young boys and girls in the club and in Butetown,” he said.
“In the past, we always have had negative lights on us but it’s good to set an example for the young kids in our local area.”
