Back after a two year gap, Team Army were delighted to host another Gala Boxing evening on Thursday 12th September at the iconic, art deco Troxy venue, in the heart of London’s East End. Dubbed the Battle of Troxy Hall, this magnificent occasion raised money for two very special causes: The Team Army Sports Foundation and The Royal British Legion Battle Back Centre.
In the Red and Blue corners were young and able boxers from the Army Boxing Association and the London Development Squad. Over 5 bouts, London triumphed over The Army by 3 bouts to 2, watched by 430 spectators. In common with its predecessors, the Battle of Stamford Bridge and the Battle of Park Lane, ‘Troxy’ is the premier event in the Army Boxing Association’s calendar and helps emphasise the hugely important part that sport plays in preparing our Servicemen and women for everything asked of them in the most challenging of circumstances.
Major General Lamont Kirkland, CEO of Team Army said: “Our Armed Forces are deservedly regarded as amongst the very best trained in the world and we use sport as a powerful element in helping develop teamwork, resilience, determination and a desire to push themselves to their limits. What you have seen tonight demonstrates all those qualities”.
At the receiving end (of the fund raising, not the punches) are two very worthy causes: the Team Army Sports Foundation, set up in 2011 to help fund sport in the Army and now also helping a number of sports in the Royal Navy and Combined Services, and the Royal British Legion Battle Back Centre, the adaptive sport and adventurous training programme for wounded, injured and sick personnel from across the Armed Forces.
MC for the evening was England rugby legend, Chris Sheasby, who entertained the audience between bouts and introduced speakers and ‘heroes’ – a number of inspirational young servicemen, who had suffered life changing injuries on operations, but had battled their way back to getting on with lives as normally as possible. Also present, was veteran auctioneer and TV personality, Nick Carter, who presided over a live auction which alone raised £13,500. Total funds raised from the event are still to be collected, but expected to be around £50,000.
All in all, a highly motivational, worthy and entertaining evening that also raised significant sums for two good causes. Next ‘Battle’ is likely to be in two years time. Can’t wait.