Abdul Majid, the 6ft 3 boxing coach at Rotherham’s Unity Boxing Centre, emphasizes the importance of displaying flags properly. The gym, located in renovated offices once used by the town’s steel mill, showcases flags from various countries to celebrate the diverse backgrounds of its hundreds of boxers, both young and old.
Abdul takes pride in the gym’s multicultural atmosphere, explaining that the flags represent love and respect for each boxer’s heritage. From England, where Abdul was born, to Kashmir, Pakistan, and a multitude of other nations, the gym’s walls are adorned with flags symbolizing unity and diversity.
The gym, situated in Rawmarsh, a historically industrial but economically challenged area, serves as a beacon of togetherness in a town known for its past struggles, including a notorious child exploitation scandal. Despite the town’s tumultuous history, Abdul and his team strive to make a positive impact by fostering a sense of community and inclusivity at the gym.
In the face of recent unrest and divisive events in Rotherham, including flag protests and acts of vandalism, Abdul remains steadfast in promoting unity and understanding. The gym, led by dedicated coaches like Atif Shafiq and Shahid Shad, continues to inspire young individuals from different backgrounds to come together, learn, and grow both as boxers and as compassionate human beings.
As tensions rise in the town, Abdul and his team remain committed to their mission of spreading positivity and bridging divides. The gym serves as a safe haven where teenagers like Harley Saeed and the Nasser twins find solace, support, and valuable life lessons beyond boxing skills.
Amidst challenges and external pressures, Abdul’s resilience shines through, reinforcing the gym’s ethos of learning, growing, and always striving for the best. The gym stands as a testament to the power of unity and cooperation in overcoming adversity and building a stronger, more inclusive community.
Ultimately, Abdul’s message resonates loud and clear: in the face of adversity, what is needed most is more individuals like him, dedicated to spreading positivity and embracing diversity.
To support Unity Boxing Centre, donations can be made through goodhub.com.
