AIS hosts inaugural National Indigenous Boxing Camp

09 October 2024

Boxing Australia gathered some of the country’s best Indigenous talent at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) for their first ever National Indigenous Boxing Camp.

Boxing Australia's National Indigenous Boxing Camp at the AIS.

The four-day camp saw 16 boxers and seven coaches stay and train at the AIS from 3-6 October as part of an initiative to recognise and nurture Indigenous talent.

Athletes came from across the country with varied ages and experience, from under 16 up-and-comers to Paris Olympian Callum Peters.

Ty Norman Cerminara, who attended as a coach while his son joined as a boxer, said the camp was a great opportunity to bond with like-minded First Nations people and demonstrate the support networks available to young athletes.

“The best part for my son was the ability and opportunity to connect with athletes of the same culture and values. For myself, it was amazing to meet such a great group of athletes and connect with other Indigenous coaches as we all learn from each other - the support is just phenomenal,” Cerminara said.

By introducing this culturally enriched training environment at a national level, Boxing Australia hopes to celebrate and elevate the achievements of Indigenous athletes on the national and international stage, creating a legacy of excellence and cultural pride.

Fellow coach and former AIS scholarship holder Nathan Carroll was extremely proud to be part of the camp as he believes it will help open the door to the world of high performance for future Indigenous athletes.

“The AIS facilities, coaching staff and methods are world-class, and to be able to share my knowledge as a coach and nurture and guide Australia’s next Indigenous talent to become Olympians gives me great pride and satisfaction,” Carroll said.

“This initiative by Boxing Australia can do so much for our people and change young Indigenous kids' lives by giving them opportunities to achieve their dreams and open pathways for a better future.

“How do I know? It changed mine.”

The AIS will welcome more than 440 athletes from nine sports to campus this month alone for training camps.