Anti-drug Campaign held at Downtown Boxing Gym!

- June 05, 2013

Last week Friday, the Eastern Cape had the honour of being visited by the world's renowned referee of all times, Mr Tony Weeks, coupled with Layla MacCarter to have a talk around East London schools about the dangers of using drugs. They went around the schools in Mdantsane educating the learners about drugs and the effects they have on ones body. They also had another seminar which was held at the Downtown Boxing Gym, which invited university students to partake in the awareness. The BMF Student Chapter was one of the societies that was present, and various students. The SABC Sport was also there to broadcast the event, which will be aired this week or next. Where the students were interviewed as to what they learnt about the campaign, and an interview of the new boxer Leighandra Jegels will also be there. I also had the opportunity of being interviewed, so do look out for me on your screens, sometime this coming Saturday or next week on SABC 1 or 2, but I will keep you guys posted.

The talk was very fruitful; it also gave us an insight of the dangers of drugs, and how we can also work towards having more campaigns of this nature, to deter our communities from using these ill substances. Mr Weeks address was very informative, where he made reference to his experience whilst growing up, how peer pressure induced him to make irrational decisions, and how he fled away from such life when he realised the effects drugs has on the body. Layla also provided an insightful talk about the dangers of drugs, ending off with a motivating line that "our bodies our temple".

It was so inspiring to have such well respected figures taking their time to educate the youth about such issues. A big thank you to Mr Weeks, who was extremely humble and accommodating towards everyone, he answered all the questions we asked him, and made sure that each person knew that this was his first time in South Africa, I quote him "the Motherland". A big thank you to Layla, for always gracing Downtown and Eastern Cape with her presence; Downtown Boxing Gym, for continuing being the best host and Sijuta Promotions for making all of this possible.

During the shoot for the campaign. On the far left: Mr JV Madikane, Tony Weeks, Overseas boxing judge, Layla MacCarter and Stanley Christodolou (the only SA figure to be inducted in the Hall of Fame).