About UsChampions Initiative

The impact our academies have had on their communities

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Champions Initiative people
Reports & Research

Champions Programme: Social Return on Investment 2024

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Reports & research

2024 Annual Report

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Champions Begin Schools Program: Social Return on Investment 2024

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2023 Annual Report

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Final Impact Evaluation Report 2022

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Massey University Research

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Victoria University Research

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Academy Member
Academy Member

The academy helped me develop important life skills such as the values. You’ve helped me gain confidence and encourage me to take risks and take my interests and passions and turn them into something positive for myself and others.

Lucan
Lucan
Mid Canterbury Boxing Academy

My first time in the ring at a competition I was very nervous. But the Academy has a strong brotherhood that is always in my corner, and this remains as we grow older together.  From the start I could see how the Academy cared about building good young men, not just good boxers.  The values of the Academy are taught from the ‘Passport to Succes’ and this is one of the most important tools I have learnt here.

The Academy has had a pretty massive impact on me, it makes me think of the consequences of my actions before I act, it’s made me like myself, who I am and are becoming as a person, and how I carry myself and act towards other people.

Saxon
Saxon
Naenae Boxing Academy

When boxing you must have dreams and then set goals to reach those dreams. Being successful in boxing allowed me to dream bigger than before and set a goal of going to university unlike many of my family before me. And I achieved that, thanks to Naenae Boxing Academy.

Nate
Nate
Naenae Boxing Academy

There is a strong sense of brotherhood in the academy, everyone is there to grow and to support each other to grow. The academy instilled in me the ability to treat others as you wish to be treated, work hard, show-up for your goals and for yourself and you will be able to achieve great things. I recently graduated with a law degree, and I am about to be admitted to the bar.

News

Champions news and updates

September 23, 2025
Naenae Boxing Academy

Passionate and Community Focused Manager Needed

The Naenae Boxing Academy has a vacancy for a full-time manager. If you are passionate about our rangatahi, and community focused read more!

September 17, 2025
Naenae Boxing Academy

Zakir Yusof - From Refugee to National Champion Copy

Whenever Wellington teenager Zakir Yusof steps inside the boxing ring, he is determined to make proud all those who have supported his journey from refugee to national champion.Born in Afghanistan but raised in neighbouring Pakistan, Yusof arrived in New Zealand in 2017 with his mother and two brothers. He couldn’t speak English and spent his first weeks in a refugee camp, where he met his father for the first time--he had left when Zakir was a baby to try to build a better life for the family.

September 17, 2025

Zakir Yusof - From Refugee to National Champion

Whenever Wellington teenager Zakir Yusof steps inside the boxing ring, he is determined to make proud all those who have supported his journey from refugee to national champion.Born in Afghanistan but raised in neighbouring Pakistan, Yusof arrived in New Zealand in 2017 with his mother and two brothers. He couldn’t speak English and spent his first weeks in a refugee camp, where he met his father for the first time--he had left when Zakir was a baby to try to build a better life for the family.

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FAQ’s

Learn more about what you’re supporting

Your support gives more kiwi youth access to life-skills through participation in and the discipline of boxing and physical fitness as well as to give them a place of refuge.

Here are common questions we come across when it comes to Champions Boxing Academies:

Why Boxing?

Amateur boxing, with its emphasis on safety and sportsmanship, offers a constructive way for young people to build character, maintain fitness, and learn valuable life skills. The sport instils important life values such as sportsmanship, humility, and perseverance, while developing focus, confidence, and the ability to deal with adversity and stress. It is also a very attractive activity to many young people, it is something they want to try rather feel forced to and they stay engaged for a longer period of time.

Is boxing safe for young people?

Amateur boxing, as a sport, has very stringent medical controls. Registration requires an annual medical, with another medical prior to every bout. Boxers are evenly matched according to age, weight, experience, and gender. Coaches at all Champions Initiative Academies are trained to deliver sound boxing techniques, while holding the appropriate licensing, along with first-aid, and child protection certification. Our programmes revolve around skill and fitness development, with contact during practice ranging from zero to mild for those who just want to train and compete.

Why is this a long term program?

Both youth and sports development research indicates that the greatest impact is made when as many individuals as possible are engaged, for as long as possible, and in the best environment. Our academies not only provide extended pathways for skill development and competition (for those that want it), but also provide the best environments possible.