AIS hosts inaugural National Indigenous Boxing Camp

By Ian Rogers

Boxing Australia brought together some of the nation’s top Indigenous boxing talent for the inaugural National Indigenous Boxing Camp at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).

Over the four-day camp, held from October 3-6, 16 boxers and seven coaches trained and stayed at the AIS as part of an initiative to recognise and develop Indigenous athletes.

Participants ranged in age and experience, including rising stars under 16 and Paris Olympian Callum Peters.

Ty Norman Cerminara, who attended as a coach while his son participated as a boxer, praised the camp for fostering connections among First Nations athletes and showcasing the support networks available to young talent.

“The best part for my son was the ability and opportunity to connect with athletes of the same culture and values. For myself, it was amazing to meet such a great group of athletes and connect with other Indigenous coaches as we all learn from each other – the support is just phenomenal,” Cerminara said.

Boxing Australia’s National Indigenous Boxing Camp at the AIS.

By creating a culturally enriched training environment on a national scale, Boxing Australia aims to celebrate and uplift the achievements of Indigenous athletes, both nationally and internationally, fostering a legacy of excellence and cultural pride.

Nathan Carroll, fellow coach and former AIS scholarship holder, expressed his pride in being part of the camp, believing it will pave the way for future Indigenous athletes to enter the world of high-performance sport.

“The AIS facilities, coaching staff and methods are world-class, and to be able to share my knowledge as a coach and nurture and guide Australia’s next Indigenous talent to become Olympians gives me great pride and satisfaction,” Carroll said.

“This initiative by Boxing Australia can do so much for our people and change young Indigenous kids’ lives by giving them opportunities to achieve their dreams and open pathways for a better future.

“How do I know? It changed mine.”

The AIS will welcome more than 440 athletes from nine sports to campus this month alone for training camps.