Boxing may be the foundation of Snapback Boxing Gym, but the focus is community and helping people.
In addition to running regular boxing and fitness classes, Palmerston North Gym offers classes for troubled youth, special education students, new moms and men’s health.
It also works to raise awareness about mental health and suicide. We held a fight night to raise funds for our cause.
Jim held an open day last weekend to show the community what they’ve been up to, including a newly outfitted equipment room where they offered classes.
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Warwick Smith/Staff
Trainer Courtney Sauer encourages students in her snapback boxing special education class.
The gym’s director, Filippo Sauer, said boxing is just a small part of their job and that they care about every aspect of their lives.
He said they worked to build people’s well-being and mental health because they saw many people dealing with problems.
“Health is very important. We recognized that communities need to reach out on many levels to help them.
“We are building community, starting with young people. We have a range of services that we offer to build community.”
He said programs for at-risk youth helped build their self-esteem and they saw “children change their lives.”
“We hold firmly to our rules, our core values, the safe aspects of being here and respect.
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Jerry Sauer (right) says he loves it when young people learn what they can do.
“We talk about making life better, the goals you achieve on your way out of it, the decisions you make, the choices you make right.”
One girl who started working with them had a problem with violence.
“Her mother said it was the first time she had seen her smile in six months.”
There was also a program that taught self-defense to young women and free classes for people with Parkinson’s disease.
They conducted a “shoulder to shoulder” course for men to talk to each other and ask for help if needed.
Warwick Smith/Staff
Courtney Sauer has a bag for her students.
Saua’s daughter-in-law, Courtney, was a special education trainer.
She also works for HealthCare NZ and a few months ago decided to run a fitness class for children with special needs who come to class during the day.
“A lot of them said they didn’t get the chance to go to school after school or at school because it’s all mainstream. We created a space where they could be themselves.”
The lessons were conducted intuitively without loud noises and were fun for the children.
She said some of the kids were nervous when they moved in, but they grew in confidence and fitness.
“They’re looking forward to it. They’re coming to One Direction and dancing around and really having fun.”
She said they cater to all needs and create opportunities for people.
Warwick Smith/Staff
Trainer Jerry Sauer (right) helps one of his students during a training session.
Courtney’s husband Jerry, the primary mentor for the program for at-risk youth, was introduced to the gym and reminded her that it was a safe place there.
Jerry said he came to love it when young people realized what they could do in training.
“We see a lot of confidence growing in them and their fitness.
He said they learned discipline and learned how to focus on the positive, which led to big changes.
“Respect is a big thing we try to dig into them. Boxing needs respect, so respect yourself and respect those around you.”
Joe Salisbury, Manawatu’s tactical prevention manager, said the police have a strong partnership with Jim’s team.
“We have previously collaborated on several initiatives, including Rangatahi, and have always been impressed with the way the Snapback team engages with young people and serves as positive role models in our community.”
