Maxwell Junior Chimanga
As the menace of Drugs and Substance Abuse continue to sweep across Zimbabwean Provinces, Royce Archbald has boldly declared a war against the menace.
Hailing from a remote area of Mashonaland Central region, Archbald decided to establish RoyGri Boxing Academy so as to take away redundancy from many youths in the process removing them from the streets away from the manace of alcohol, drugs and substances.
Archbald said the club has provide a structured environment for young people, helping to keep them off the streets and away from negative influences. The sport of boxing often holds significant cultural importance, becoming a source of local pride and identity.
Boxing matches and tournaments are community events that bring people together, reinforcing social bonds.
Roygri Boxing Academy was established in 2018. Its founder Royce Archibald said that the club started functioning in 2021,
“That’s when I started Boxing in Mashonaland Central Province”.
He continued saying that he is also RoyGri Boxing Academy coach and club Chairperson.
As the leader of the Boxing club, his aims are to prevent the youths from being victims of drug abuse.
“We are aiming high in terms of preventing the young generation from drugs.” Said Royce Archibald.
Roygri Boxing Club has produced boxers who have made significant impacts both in the ring and in their communities. These success stories highlight the potential for talent development and the positive influence boxing can have on individuals and their communities.
“Since 2021 I have managed to put one boxer in the national team, l am also training a mother of three she won Gold medal at this previous tournament from Bulawayo. It is my vision to empower women. In the recent Africa Day Boxing tournament in Bulawayo we managed to scoop six gold medals. For the male category we won three gold and in the female category we won three gold medals also. I have managed to place one boxer in the national team, Lexmore Brian Nyawasha in the Welterweight division.
Like many of his counterparts elsewhere in the country, limited financial resources are hindering the ability to purchase equipment, maintain facilities, and support athletes’ travel for competitions.
“As Mashonaland Central Zimbabwe Boxing Federation Chairperson, we need help since the Ministry said boxing can be exercised and ngaiitwe muzvikoro they must do so, sponsor this sport beginning with schools such as Mvurwi Primary and Secondary.” said Royc Archibald. “
He went to say that,
“Minister of state for Provincial Affairs, for Mashonaland Central, Christopher Magomo is supporting and promoting boxing in the Region and in addition our council town secretary Doctor Nyakudya and Mvurwi town council body are working with us supporting us though we have challenges here and there but we can feel the warmth and moving on. We are much moving and supporting the vision 2030 from his Excellency by then drug substance level in our community will be reduced to the lowest .”
While boxing in Zimbabwe faces significant challenges, its role in fostering community spirit and developing talent cannot be underestimated. With continued support and investment, boxing can remain a vital and vibrant part of these communities.
Zim GBC News©2024