As a proud sponsor of the IT Heavy Hitters – White Collar Charity Boxing Event for IT professionals, the teams from Talent Auckland and Wellington have been hitting the gym hard to get fit in preparation for team selections ahead of the event in May 2017.
At the Auckland team try outs last weekend, over 72 fighters attended, which was an excellent turnout. Everyone was pumped for the sessions which were fast paced and energetic. I don’t think anyone left without raising a sweat!
In Wellington, the Talent team has also been working hard in the gym (and in the office!) to keep their fitness levels up ahead of their team selection. Everyone has put in a stellar performance attending the red team weekly training sessions at Petone Boxing in Lower Hutt.
This fantastic initiative not only focuses on building friendships and fitness as participants take part in a 14 week program with professional coaches to get them fit, gloved up and ready, but the IT Heavy Hitters raises much needed funds for The Key to Life Charitable Trust.
The Key to Life Charitable Trust is a community peer support group aiming to change the way New Zealanders think, act and feel about mental health and suicide with a long term goal of achieving a zero suicide rate in New Zealand. The charity works with mental health professionals, services providers, business leaders and the community to reverse the trends of depression and suicide by effecting positive social change through awareness and support.
This particular cause is close to the hearts of the Auckland team, as Auckland General Manager Kara Smith lost her own brother to suicide six years ago. “When I heard IT Heavy Hitters (charity boxing fight) was coming up to Auckland in 2017 and that my sister (former World Champion boxer Daniella Smith) was going to be one of the coaches , I was determined for our Talent Auckland team to get involved.”
“I have a very personal reason for taking part, as my older brother took his own life 6 years ago completely devastating our family. But our family isn’t alone, as over 500 other families received the same devastating news that their loved ones also committed suicide just last year. That was more than the road toll! I believe in order to affect positive change for suicide prevention and mental health awareness, we need to engage in different conversations and stop treating it as taboo.” Said Smith
To the left is Mike King who is the founder of the Key to Life Charitable Trust. To the far right is Daniella Smith (Sister to Talent Auckland General Manager – Kara Smith) who is the coach of Team Blue and is also a former World Champion boxer.
Talent is so proud to get behind this great cause and would encourage everyone to get involved by donating to this wonderful initiative or come along to show your support.
For more information speak with your Talent Auckland or Talent Wellington account manager or visit – http://itheavyhitters.co.nz/
Don’t forget to check back or follow us on social media for updates on our team’s progress!
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or needs help please reach out to – http://keytolife.org.nz/