No matter your circumstances, there's always light at the end of the tunnel, at least that's what Dubbo PCYC Fit For Life boxing instructor Sam Matthews would tell any youth who may be on the wrong path in life, or who may be struggling at the moment.
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"I'm a prime example that you can turn your life around," Sam said.
Fit for Life is an early intervention program delivered in partnership by NSW Police and PCYC NSW and is one of eight programs designed to deliver the NSW Police Commissioner's RISEUP strategy.
The Fit for Life program encourages all to get active in life, promote inclusion and build genuine community resilience, and while some of the young people involved in Fit for Life and RISEUP are engaged due to challenges at home, school or in the community, these programs aim to teach youth that they are much more than these challenges.
Fit for Life is based around the five core principles of PCYC NSW (commitment, resilience, integrity, citizenship and respect) which are taught through core messages and reinforced through sporting activity - which is usually boxing for fitness. However, different locations use different activities according to what young people will respond to most.
"Fit for Life surrounds youth with people they can look up to and be inspired by," Sam said.
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There's always an opportunity to better yourself, and to come out of a spot where you may think there is no light at the end of the tunnel.
- Sam Matthews
"There's always an opportunity to better yourself, and to come out of a spot where you may think there is no light at the end of the tunnel," Sam said.
"But it can be hard for those kids, who may not be around positive people, to make a change in their lives.
"So it's good to be able to be a part of a program which surrounds you with good role models.
"I took a lot of bad pathways early on when I was younger, got mixed in the wrong crowd, I could have got myself into a lot of trouble.
"I think through meeting good people and creating good habits; I was able to bring myself out of it.
"I was lucky,
"And that's what I hope to make these kids release, the path you may be on at the moment isn't the only path you can take."
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Taylor Dodge
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
