Ivy Richardson (centre) was the focus of a feature for Sportchek, discussing the joy she finds in training with Team 700. (Sportchek)

By Alex Rawnsley

team 700

‘I cried watching it the first time:’ local Indigenous boxing program pushed into national focus

Mar 19, 2022 | 5:57 AM

NANAIMO — A local boxing coach and program, geared toward Indigenous youth in and graduating from government care, is getting some national attention.

Ivy Richardson and her Team 700 were the subject of a feature video produced by Sportchek, under the theme “the joy of training”.

Richardson told NanaimoNewsNOW it was emotional to document the program she’s poured so many hours into since launching in late 2019.

“I cried, I cried watching it the first time, I cried while I was being interviewed. It was just really incredible to see myself and the youth featured in something like that.”

The video itself was produced in November 2021 and was released in conjunction with International Women’s Day in early March.

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It was an opportunity for Richardson to share her love, not only for the sport of boxing, but Team 700. The program consists of 10 youth boxers training and sparring competitively while also developing transferrable life skills.

Priority for spots on the team go to youth in or aging out of government care.

“The team is a space for Indigenous youth to aspire for greatness in or outside of the ring, while exemplifying Indigenous excellence,” Richardson said. “We give a wrap around of supports which I believe is part of the success of the team. We want to give them the tools to show up and be successful.”

Richardson added hallmarks of boxing like discipline, dedication and commitment are vital skills to have away from the ring.

“Everything you learn at the boxing gym is transferrable to life, even just showing up on time for practice. There are so many life skills that are learned through training, through that discipline.”

It’s Richardson’s dream to continue growing Team 700, but to do that she needs financial support.

There is a wait list of youth wanting to join the group, however without additional resources and training times, Richardson is hesitant to expand.

“I’d love to have more coaches…so we can grow this team and support the youth properly. I’d hate to grow something too big then youth start falling through the cracks, that’s definitely what we’re trying to avoid and work against.”

She’d also like to see the concept of Team 700 grow in other communities across the province and country.

More information on Team 700 is available on their website.

The name itself stems from the 700 youth on average who graduate from government care in B.C. each year, however Richardson said the number has grown in recent years.

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alex@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley