“KO Racism” film premieres at the East End Film Festival

A short film aimed at combating racism and extremism, produced by Limehouse Boxing academy and award-winning filmmakers ‘Northern Stars’, has just been shown at the prestigious East End film festival in London.

The film is part of an educational programme created by Limehouse BA which will be taken into schools and youth centres in London at the end of April. This project is being delivered with support from ISD and google.org

“We launched the campaign last August,” said co-founder of ‘KO Racism’ and Limehouse boxing coach Shah Rahman. “It’s about educating children – aged 11 – 18 – on the dangers of following extremes, particularly online and on social media. We will be showing children what a great sport boxing is and what a deeply rich and multi-cultural sport it is, while at the same time educating on the dangers of following sites that aim to divide people. We live in volatile times and we think sport in general and our sport of boxing has a big part to play in bringing people together and educating young people.”

“Since we started the campaign last year we have had a brilliant response from a wide range of people,” said fellow Limehouse coach and co-founder of the campaign, Mark Collings.

“Heads of education, business, sport …you name it… right across the board, have said it’s a worthwhile campaign because we are flagging up some real problems young people can encounter.”

Limehouse boxer, Reda Afellad (17), who features in the film, agrees that the campaign is very relevant today.

“If you are involved in a sport then you have to take responsibility,” Afellad said. “Boxers have to work as a team and respect each other, and what a lot of young people don’t realise is that following or ‘liking’ extreme and divisive sites can have an impact on the team of people you see at school or in your boxing club and, if you are following and ‘liking’ extreme views it can also have an impact on the rest of your life.”

Rahman added: “When we put the educational programme together. We spoke with employers and employment agencies and all of them said that a young person’s social media profile is an area they would possibly look at before they employ them or give them the Uni place. If that profile is seen to be connected to extreme views, then that can impact your chances of getting the job you want or the place at the University you want. That’s one of the big and important points we are making while at the same time showing young people what a fantastically diverse sport boxing is. Holding it up as an example if you like, of how people of all ethnic backgrounds and ages can work together and learn and get themselves in shape and enjoy themselves. “

The “KO Racism” educational programme will start in schools around London at the end of April before going nationwide later in the year. The programme will include an interactive educational session, guest speakers from the world of boxing and a boxing inspired team building session. Check out the video here 

Anyone who is interested in the educational contact

Shah Rahman on shah.rahman@live.co.uk or Mark Collings on mark_collings@live.co.uk