Nelson boxers bring home exciting wins

The Nelson Boxing Club isn’t just about competing, but they’ve been having some big successes lately. Four athletes from the Club were in Tacoma, Washington recently to compete in the Golden Gloves tournament, which each province and state will typically host every year. Stryder Sutton, Riel Martinez, Leah Eberle, and Makalu Babott, all between the ages of 13 and 16, won their respective divisions.  A couple of the athletes didn’t have anyone else in their division and won by walkovers, but were able to challenge someone else. It was a great experience for them says Jesse Pineiro, head coach and owner of the club.

“They’re always learning. It’s great not only just for the competition, because I think that it’s important to test what we’re doing here against what other people in other parts of the world are doing.”

Last week, Nelson’s Brayden Hellekson also won a bronze medal at the Canada Winter Games in Red Deer. He had four fights in four days, Pineiro explains.

“He won his first fight I think by knock out in the first round, and it’s a double elimination. He lost his second fight but then he continue on. You’re still in it for the bronze until the very end. He lost his second and then won two more to win the bronze.”

Team BC says his competitor in the bronze match was Seamus O’Brien from Newfoundland and Labrador and describes the performance as “going out with a bang.”

Pineiro says Hellekson has some time now to train before Nationals, which three other athletes will be heading to as well in April.

But it’s not just about winning the competitions.

“For some of these kids it’s their first opportunity to go anywhere,” explains Pineiro. “I’ve got one kid who, with a boxing trip, went to a tournament in Victoria and it was his first time ever seeing the ocean, you know, and then he saw a whale.”

Pineiro wants to continue to build the athletes’ skill set, but also contribute to who they are as individuals, and provide a positive space within the community.

Continue Reading

chnv Now playing play

ckkc Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Climate advocate joins B.C. Greens leadership race

The B.C. Greens have added 24-year-old climate advocate Emily Lowan from Victoria to the slate of candidates in the party's leadership race.

Residents can leave feedback on CleanBC initiative using survey

The B.C. government wants your thoughts on its plan to lower emissions by filling in a survey.

Drug alert issued for Nelson area

Interior Health has issued a drug alert for Nelson and surrounding areas for light pink pebble sold as Down.

Report on B.C. event safety submitted to B.C. government

A public inquiry about community event safety has been submitted to the B.C. Government.

Comox councillor enters B.C. Greens leadership race

Comox town councillor and family doctor Jonathan Kerr is in the running to be the next leader of the B.C. Greens. 
- Advertisement -