A YOUNG Dunoon boxing volunteer is proving you don’t have to step through the ropes as a fighter to reach the biggest stages in sport.
Sam Esler, from Dunoon Amateur Boxing Club (DABC), is celebrating an incredible achievement after being selected as an official for the Commonwealth Games — a major milestone in what is already becoming an impressive journey in boxing.
After returning to DABC earlier this year following some time away from Boxing Scotland, Sam wasted no time throwing himself back into the sport he loves.
Determined to support the next generation and give back to grassroots boxing, he completed his Level One Coaching Course along with his Child Wellbeing and Protection qualification, allowing him to become a club coach.
But Sam did not stop there.
He also returned to the sport as Boxing Scotland’s youngest official, taking on a vital role behind the scenes and showing there are many different routes to success within boxing.
As an official, Sam’s responsibilities can include refereeing, judging and helping organise safety equipment for competitors — playing an essential part in ensuring events run safely and successfully.
His dedication has already taken him to major competitions, including the recent Four Nations Championships, where he represented Scotland as the youngest official involved.
Now he is preparing for an even bigger opportunity after being selected to work ringside at the Commonwealth Games.
Sam said he is excited for the four-day event and looking forward to being part of a competition showcasing boxing at the highest level.
He said: “I want to highlight the opportunities in boxing outside the ring and encourage people to get involved.
“The club is developing at a fast pace and we want to encourage involvement for young people — not just as boxers, but as coaches and officials.
“This is another way to gain qualifications and build skills.”
Dunoon Amateur Boxing Club said Sam’s achievements are a source of huge pride and demonstrate what dedication and commitment can achieve.
A club spokesperson said: “At DABC we are very proud of Sam. He is a dedicated young man with a huge passion for boxing.
“He has already inspired another young person from Dunoon to become an official and start the lengthy 12-month training programme.
“Sam is a great example of what commitment can achieve and showcases all the opportunities available in the sport.
“It will be interesting to see where this takes him going forward.”
The club wished Sam all the best as he prepares for the Commonwealth Games and said they are proud to have Dunoon represented on such a major sporting stage.
