South Belfast Ulster Unionist Assembly Member Michael McGimpsey has yet again called on the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure to support Sandy Row Boxing Club.
Mr McGimpsey said;
"At Question Time in the Assembly I asked the Sports Minister to give assurances that all boxing clubs will be able to access any grants that are available, access facilities and participate freely in those facilities and will not be subject to sectarian harassment as was proven to be the case in the past with Sandy Row boxing club. I also asked her to confirm that any grants and support will be tied to such assurances.
“The Minister’s response indicated that she is still in a state of denial when it comes to the harassment suffered by the Sandy Row boxers and the difficulties which have been placed in the way of that Club. Insisting that the club affiliate into a system which in the past failed them so badly, before they can access funding, is unbelievable. ”
“It would appear that despite the proven harassment and sectarianism Sandy Row Boxing Club and its young boxers have endured over the years, the Minister is still unwilling to do all she can to support them. Despite the excellent job the club is doing championing the sport and fitness in the local community, the Minister seems unwilling to support them.”
“Sandy Row boxing club remains the only club in the whole of Northern Ireland to be unable to avail of funding from the Minister’s department and grow their facilities. This is completely unacceptable and shows an unwillingness on the Ministers part to right past wrongs.”