Non-contact Boxing Program with Asylum Seekers in Torbay

Shiren is an experienced boxing coach and competed internationally as an amateur boxer on the Singapore national team. Shiren is a PhD Psychology student on placement with the Apricot Centre Wellbeing Team

‘I had an amazing experience delivering a three day non-contact boxing program at the hotel for asylum seekers in Torbay. Seven asylum seekers attended and the staff at the hotel shared how it was the first time they had seen these asylum seekers laughing and smiling in a long time, amidst the tense current political climate for asylum seekers, particularly with the recent tragic news that the hotel would be shut down by December.

I coached them through boxing skills, fitness drills and games over three days in hour long sessions. At the end of the three days, I interviewed them to capture their experience in their own words. Many of them shared that their favourite part of it was feeling more connected to their bodies, minds and each other. Some of them spoke about how it improved their quality of sleep and their appetite. They also spoke about how it brought back a sense of hope and allowed them to reclaim their bodies. It was powerful watching these individuals in the midst of transitions create a space to be present with each other through movement. The experience of getting the privilege to witness the transformation that happened just through three sessions of boxing was beautiful.’

Non-contact boxing with asylum seekers, Devon