Boxing for everyone: Joey Kelly and Nikki Adler inspire young people!

Boxing for everyone: Joey Kelly and Nikki Adler inspire young people!

In tranquil Neunkirchen-Seelscheid, 20 students from the comprehensive school were recently able to enjoy a very special experience. During a boxing training session with the well-known athlete Joey Kelly and the six-time boxing world champion Nikki Adler, the young people, including many with special needs or refugee backgrounds, were motivated to test their strength and leave their comfort zone. Joey Kelly organized the event on his “Kelly bus”, which took the group directly to the event yard in Lohmarfahr, where the activities took place. They were warmly welcomed by Joey, his wife Tanja and his daughters.The Rundschau reports thatThe event began with a tour and the presentation of a fitness gift basket before the actual training started.

The training session was led by Nikki Adler, who took over the warm-up, sprints and various technical units. Joey Kelly also took the opportunity to actively train and motivate the young people with his own enthusiasm. “Give more than you take” and “Happiness is not a coincidence” – these were the messages he conveyed in his subsequent lecture about his life journey and the hurdles he has overcome in his career. Headmaster Alfred Himpeler was enthusiastic about this unique project, which is intended to strengthen not only the body but also the self-confidence of the young participants.

Includes boxing training for everyone

The inclusive boxing training, which has been taking place weekly in the Aquarena since November 2024, is led on a voluntary basis by Nikki Adler and is open to all children and young people in grades 7 to 10.As the Neunkirchen-Seelscheid comprehensive school reports,The main goal of the training is to increase self-confidence. Both girls and boys take part in this special sports program, including young people with special educational needs.

With the support of special education teacher Maike Niemann and social education teacher Torsten Pütz, as well as martial arts trainer Thorsten Müller from the “Siegtal Fighters”, the young people are also introduced to self-defense techniques. The training, which is supplemented by healthy breaks and personal conversations, not only promotes physical fitness, but also team spirit and social skills. Boxing is considered an excellent sport for developing physical and psychosocial skills, which has gained increasing recognition in recent yearsboxen100.de also shows this.

Community and fun

The sociable end of the day, around a campfire with shared meals and the opportunity to grill marshmallows - even vegan versions were available - offered space for exchange and laughter together. The return trip to Neunkirchen-Seelscheid took place with smiling faces, and many of the young people announced that they wanted to join the boxing group. Nikki Adler, who would like to see the project continued, also sees it that way. This inclusive offer, initiated through collaboration with the municipality and Mayor Nicole Berka, has already left a positive impression and could serve as a model for similar projects.

In summary, boxing training not only makes you fit, but also teaches life skills such as self-control and respect. With all of these positive impressions and experiences, it is clear that there is something going on here - and it will be exciting to see how the project develops in the future.