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Islington Tribune - by JOSH LOEB
Published: 15 August 2008

Boxing club pleads for cash to honour Ben

A BOXING club praised for its work with Islington’s teenagers is struggling to raise money for a centre dedicated to murdered teenager Ben Kinsella after having its council funding slashed.
At a meeting attended by councillors, police and members of the Kinsella family at the Business Design Centre on Friday, Times Amateur Boxing club coach David Ryan demanded leadership from politicians to stop the killings of more young people like Ben, 16, who died after being stabbed on York Way in May.
Mr Ryan called on the council to reverse plans to cut funding to the club, which wants to raise £2million for new premises named in honour of murdered former club member Ben.
“A lot of our funding has been scrapped,” said Mr Ryan.
“I believe our club should be a better club and I believe it should have the money.”
Six months ago the club was informed by the council that its £3,000 per year funding from the Islington Drugs and Alcohol Action Team is to be cancelled.
Mr Ryan, who knew Ben, said: “Islington Council can’t let this opportunity go. Damilola Taylor and Stephen Lawrence have both had memorials built.
“The politicians have got to do something for the boys round here.”
Lib Dem councillor Terry Stacy said: “Although we weren’t able to donate any money this year, we’ve continued to give our support by providing training for their staff to help them strengthen their activities and management.”

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