Peace.
My name is Paddy Fitzpatrick. I own and run Fitzpatrick’s Boxing Gym in Swindon. I have been a professional boxing Coach since 1997 and until 2020 a boxing manager and promoter.
Over my career I have worked with many world champions while in: Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Europe and the U.K. I have also worked voluntarily with young people wherever I have trained fighters.
After moving to Swindon from Las Vegas when my son was 2, I opened my boxing gym in 2007 where I ran an education hub at my gym delivering BTEC Sport level 1 and 2 and coaching qualifications, while also training my professional boxers.
In 2020, I made the decision to retire from professional boxing in order to run a full time education and coaching centre of excellence providing: support, guidance, and opportunities to our young people and others in our community.
With the help of three invaluable colleagues, all knowledgeable in education and support services, we started our not-for-profit community organisation called @TheHub Swindon & Wiltshire designed to positively impact our community.
With the support of the @TheHub Swindon Trust Board, and my coaches in the gym, I want to expand the work I have been doing with young people since 2007, and provide them with the atmosphere, and support to help them grow and achieve great things in their lives for themselves and those around them.
Once our young people realise they are improving through their experiences @TheHub they will continue to grow, add to our community and become positive examples to other young people who may have had similar experiences to themselves.
It is true that all great men and women were once children and young people. These great people needed to be nurtured and supported in order to grow into what they became and meet their full potential.
It is my view that our young people have limitless potential to contribute positively to the community and lead us in the future. It is also true that a lot of what we will see from our young people depends on us.
As Bob Marley said, “As a man sow, shall he reap”. If we invest in our young people then we are sure to create a better world for us all.
Best Wishes.
Paddy Fitzpatrick.