This week we are shouting about Scrappers Boxing Gym & Community Fitness Centre, which provides regular weekly boxing skills sessions for people with disabilities.

There are over 10,000 disabled people in Swindon including 3,000 with a severe disability, and often access to commercial gyms can be difficult due to cost and a lack of support and/or appropriate equipment. Set up in 2011, Scrappers gym aims to combat this problem.

“Scrappers Gym community project is the only one in Swindon which provides access to boxing and fitness for people with disabilities, and proves that disability poses no limits to success,” said Olivia McCann, Scrapstore project manager.

The team of boxing and fitness coaches are fully qualified to work with young people and adults suffering from a range of disabilities, including cerebral palsy, severe mobility issues and wheelchairs users.

“We aim to provide an affordable, safe, supportive and welcoming environment at Scrappers Gym, helping to reduce isolation and increase participation,” Mrs McCann added.

The Scrappers Gym Inclusive Boxing Sessions teach boxing skills to roughly 30-35 people every Friday between10am – 11am.

“It gets me out and about, meeting new people and helps with my fitness and training,” said Gari Fennell, a Scrappers Gym member and participant in the sessions

“My condition affects my balance and mobility, which has really improved since I started boxing as well as my anger and mental health. I really enjoy these sessions.”

Paul Rogers, the gym’s Head Boxing Coach said: “Boxing is beneficial to people with disabilities mainly for their confidence.

“They learn something new and improve their coordination skills and balance. It can be really good for developing leg strength too.

“The sessions also provide the chance to make new friends and have positive contact with people each week,” he added.

“It’s very rewarding for us coaches. Seeing people improve on basically every level of their wellbeing over the weeks,” said Mr Rogers.

On Saturday June 29, the gym will be holding its third annual Inclusive Boxing Showcase Event from 12pm – 2pm.

Mrs McCann said: “It is a great opportunity for the people taking part to show case their skills to the local community, and get to experience what it would be like to take part in a real boxing event.”

Eight -10 boxers will walk out among the crowd to music of their choice, box with their coaches and receive a medal.

“An event like this enables our participants to go back into their communities with an immense sense of pride that they have competed in a tough, challenging event and reaped the rewards of their hard work,” said Lewis Bird, Scrappers Gym Coach.

“It’s an opportunity for them to come into the ring and basically beat us up!” said Mr Rogers.

“It’s our way, as coaches, of giving something back to the people we coach. A positive experience of what it’s like to take part in real boxing event,” he added.

The event is open to all, and local people are being encouraged to support it.

Mrs McCann said: “The participants, coaches and I would love to have as many people in attendance as possible and make this year as memorable as the last.”

The free event will take place at Scrappers Boxing Gym & Community Fitness Centre, located at the back of the 24HR Gym, Langley Road, Hillmead Industrial Estate, Swindon, SN5 5WB.