Community award for volunteer boxing coach Gerry

Gerry Lavelle, a resident at Swanfield Park, was recognised for his work voluntarily running a boxing club for young people twice a week at A2Dominon’s annual Resident Awards ceremony.

Having accumulated 5,000 volunteer hours through the boxing club, Gerry won an outstanding contribution award for his tireless community work.

A2Dominion, one of the leading residential property groups in London and the South East, honoured Gerry at its recent Resident Awards for his positive contribution to his neighbourhood.

Gerry has voluntarily run the boxing club twice a week for 15 years, among working on numerous other community projects.

His boxing club for youngsters at the Swanfield Park community centre is said to have reduced the levels of anti-social behaviour on the estate and provided a safe and sociable space for young people to develop their fitness and levels of discipline through the sport.

Now in its fifth year, the A2Dominion Resident Awards recognises the commitment and achievements of residents, local community groups and partners.

This year’s Resident Awards ceremony was held at a special gala dinner on Friday, June 2, at the Renaissance Hotel, at Hounslow.

Dawn Wightman, A2Dominion Group housing director, said: “Gerry has been an amazing influence on the young people he works with and is truly deserving of this award. The boxing club has been credited for reducing levels of anti-social behaviour on the estate. He is also helping budding female boxers excel in the sport, one of which is close to England selection and could well feature in a future Olympics.”

“These awards showcase the inspiring individuals and groups making a difference in their communities. This year’s finalists have all gone the extra mile with their volunteering and impressed the judges with their flair, tenacity and commitment. They have invested hundreds of hours of their own time in working with us to improve services, creating meaningful and innovative projects and opportunities that improve people’s lives.”

Gerry Lavelle, picking up his award at the event, said: “I love the work I do and enjoy seeing the many youngsters reaching their potential and realising their dreams. Every individual who walks through our doors is already a champion for making the decision to take part in amateur boxing which is no easy feat.

“Winning the award means everything. I think the award for me personally is recognition for all the hard work that many people have put in over the years. It brings the club to where it is today, and for that I’m thankful.”

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