Bletchley Boxing Community Hub: Advancing Inclusivity in Sport

At Bletchley Boxing Community Hub in Milton Keynes, our commitment to inclusivity has recently taken a significant leap forward thanks to substantial funding aimed at making our facilities more accessible to everyone. This initiative represents a key moment in our ongoing journey to ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of ability or health condition, has the opportunity to engage in and benefit from boxing.

Our recent improvements have transformed our gym into a more welcoming space for all. We’ve widened doorways and installed inclusive toilet facilities, guided by the principles outlined in Sport England’s guidance on changing facilities and toilets (read more). These changes are more than just structural; they symbolise our commitment to creating an environment where all members feel supported.

In addition to facility upgrades, our coaching staff has completed the CIMSPA-accredited Inclusive Activity Programme (IAP), delivered by Activity Alliance. This training has equipped our team with the necessary skills to engage effectively with disabled individuals and those with long-term health conditions, ensuring they can participate fully and safely in physical activities.

Recognising the power of sport as a catalyst for improving quality of life, we have launched a new free weekly boxing session specifically for young people with disabilities. One of our young members, who has Hypermobility Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), has experienced significant improvements in both physical and mental wellbeing since joining our sessions. hEDS is a connective tissue disorder characterised by symptoms like joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility. This condition often leads to chronic pain and various physical limitations, making tailored exercise programmes essential for improving quality of life.

Drawing on data from extensive research (The Power of Sport, A Lifetime of Opportunity), it’s clear that engaging in sports can lead to a 20% decrease in anxiety symptoms among young people with disabilities and a notable improvement in interpersonal skills. These statistics highlight the vital role that sports can play in fostering social inclusion and enhancing life skills.

As we continue to develop our inclusive programmes, we are actively seeking partnerships with other organisations that can provide further learning opportunities and collaborative projects. We believe that through shared knowledge and resources, we can enhance our offerings and impact more lives positively. Our goal is to make Milton Keynes a leading example of how sports can promote inclusivity and community cohesion.

If you are interested in participating in our activities or if your organisation is looking to explore partnership opportunities to promote inclusivity in sports, please reach out to us. Visit our website at bbch.org.uk or contact us directly at hello@bbch.org.uk. We are eager to collaborate with like-minded entities to expand our impact and continue making sports accessible to everyone.

At Bletchley Boxing Community Hub, we recognise that the journey towards full inclusivity is continuous. With each step, we are committed to adapting and improving, moving ever closer to a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive through sports. Join us in this ongoing movement and help us create a legacy of inclusivity and empowerment for all.