Bradford College

Bradford College Wins Olympic Gold 2012 Podium Awards

Bradford College's Women's Boxing Programme has been announced as the winner of the 2012 Podium Gold Awards, run by the further and higher education unit for the London Olympics.

The awards recognise the contribution the College has made towards the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Boxing programme has won the ‘Outstanding Sporting Project Award’ and has been instrumental in driving female participation in the sport, as well as promoting the Olympic and Paralympic values. 

It was the first project of its kind to be granted the ‘Inspire mark’, the badge of the London 2012 Inspire programme, which recognises innovative and exceptional projects directly inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bradford College also scooped the Bronze Award for International Sport -  the only college or university in the country to win two awards!

Paul Porter, Bradford Boxing Development Officer, has been instrumental in helping the Bradford Police and College Boxing Academy go from strength to strength, along with Mally MacIver (Head Coach) and Kevin Smith (AASE Coach).

Paul Porter commenting on winning the award said: “We’re delighted Bradford College's Women's Boxing Programme has won a prestigious Podium Award. This has been a true team effort from all concerned.’’

Paul Porter, Mally MacIver and Kevin Smith attended the official ceremony where 27 institutions from across the UK were recognised for their sporting, educational and creative projects.  The ceremony hosted by Channel 4 presenter Rick Edwards, was held at Forman’s Fish Island, overlooking the London 2012 Olympic Stadium.

Commenting on the boxing scheme at Bradford College, which allows women of all abilities to be trained by top level coaches, Paul Porter continued: “Allowing women to box in the Olympics has been the ‘final piece in the jigsaw’ and will boost female participation. There are now more than 1000 registered and competing female boxers in England and many more women training in boxing gyms throughout Britain.”

Paul concluded: “Any female boxer that joins our Academy can fulfil their true potential, with the opportunity through Bradford College to become an international class boxer.”

The award ceremony took place on May 3 2012.  For further details visit the website at: www.podiumawards2012.com/