Local boxing gym helps to empower the community
Those interested in joining his gym to forget what brings them down and focus on what makes them happy.
Boxpit Bredell Boxing Gym is a non-profit gym, established by Brandon Sweetnam in Bredell Kempton Park to improve lives.
Sweetnam said Boxpit has two dedicated coaches; Steve Van Wyk and André Weber.
According to Sweetnam, the mission of his gym is to help people improve their lives and prevent various issues, including bullying.
“I want to help fighters with jobs that have long hours to get professional training.”
He added Boxpit wants to help young people to overcome their fears and get discipline in their lives.
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“I have been boxing since I was eight. It is my passion, and boxing is a lifestyle that you cannot let go of.”
He said he started the boxing gym because he wanted to give people what he could not get in the boxing world.
Sweetnam said they train hard in the gym but also have fun. Every night, fighters take 10 minutes to talk to each other about their days and what they have learned through training.
“I make sure that we are family. We advise each other about the challenges that we face in life. I want to have world champions in my gym,” he said.
He explained his gym is a free community gym where members can make friends and gain a love of the sport.
In addition, Sweetnam told the Kempton Express he made his gym free because many people cannot afford gym fees.
“I want to help people to stay positive and motivated. In the gym, there are a few young people, mostly from poor backgrounds,” he said.
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Sweetnam said he enjoyed helping people through his gym. There are various challenges that he comes across, including people struggling financially.
“I struggle financially with the upkeep of boxing bags and other stuff, but am blessed with people who are always willing to help,” he said.
Sweetnam said they achieved in various ways since he established his gym, including having three WCB champions.
He explained he sees his gym on the map in the future and getting recognised by local and international people.
The bullying activist advised those interested in joining his gym to forget what brings them down and focus on what makes them happy.
He added boxing, whether for fighting or just fitness, was always an answer to many problems.
“I would rather die doing what I love than die fighting demons that do not belong,” said Sweetnam.
Anyone interested in joining the Boxpit Bredell Boxing Gym may contact Brandon at 066 208 6231.
