Allister Welcomes Belated Investigation into Sandy Row Boxing Club Concerns
20 August 2012
Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“Having worked with Sandy Row Boxing Club for some months I welcome the fact that the sport’s authorities have belatedly decided to launch a “thorough investigation” into the litany of sectarian incidents which the club’s young boxers have been subjected to over the years.
“The fact of the matter is that nothing in the report produced by Sandy Row should come as news to the Irish Armature Boxing Association as the club have detailed their concerns to them in numerous letters and in meetings. Only now, after the Club have gone to the press with a 57 page document outlining how they were treated, has the IABA become agitated.
“However, I welcome that the Irish Armature Boxing Association have belatedly said that they will finally launch a thorough investigation into these issues. I would encourage clubs who have experienced similar problems to come forward.
“I will also be closely monitoring the situation in DCAL as they bring forward their Boxing Strategy. It was interesting to note that when the boxing strategy was discussed in the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee back in June the problem of sectarianism within the sport was not touched upon. I hope this will not be the case when the strategy is finally published.
“I would commend Sandy Row for having the courage to come forward and reveal the problems which they have faced and I hope that the many sensible proposals put forward by the club (some of which I highlighted in a press release a fortnight ago) will be implemented.”
