Samuel Kurtz MS recently visited Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club to see first-hand the club’s pioneering disability boxing sessions and the inspiring work being led by chairman and coach Chris McEwen.
During the visit, Samuel joined one of the adaptive boxing sessions, including taking part in a wheelchair boxing session which used VR headsets to experience a live boxing match. Samuel was joined by the Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Cllr Michelle Wiggins, and together they met with participants and volunteers to learn more about how the club is creating opportunities for people of all abilities to get involved in the sport.
The club has gained national recognition for its inclusive approach, having previously received the Insport Blue Ribbon Award from Disability Sport Wales and being named Parasport Club of the Month for its work supporting disabled athletes and vulnerable members of the community.
Chris McEwen, a former member of the Royal Air Force who is himself disabled, has been championing disability boxing and working with organisations including Welsh Boxing, England Boxing and Disability Sport Wales to help develop a safe, regulated pathway for adaptive boxers.
A key ambition of the project is to see disability boxing formally recognised under amateur boxing regulations, creating opportunities for adaptive boxers to compete and potentially opening the door to major competitions such as the Invictus Games and, one day, even the Paralympics.
Samuel Kurtz MS also hosted Chris McEwen at an event at the Senedd last month to showcase the pioneering Netflix documentary Fighters and highlight the merits of the sport with fellow Members of the Senedd.
Speaking after the visit, Samuel Kurtz MS said:
“I was delighted to visit Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club and see the disability boxing sessions in action. Chris McEwen and the team are doing incredible work to ensure that boxing is accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.
“The club is not only helping people improve their fitness and confidence but also providing a supportive community where people can thrive. Chris’s vision to see disability boxing recognised as an official sport is truly inspiring, and I am proud to support the work he is doing to make that ambition a reality.
“I also want to thank Chris, the coaches and volunteers for their dedication and for the positive impact they continue to have across Pembroke and Pembroke Dock.
“The club has become a real community hub, offering inclusive boxing sessions, in-school support for vulnerable young people, and free training opportunities for disabled participants.”
Chris said “Samuel has been a breath of fresh air with the support that he has given us. He is always ready to roll his sleeves up and get involved as his recent visit to the club has demonstrated.
“The town of Pembroke Dock is very special to me and I am pleased that Samuel was able to see first hand the work that we undertake here and get to meet many of our members.
“I echo the views of the whole club in thanking Samuel for the support that he has given to our club, our town and the inclusion community. We are firmly in your corner and thank you for everything that you do”
