Learning the ropes of a fun way to box

IT was little surprise that police and ambulance services were quick to the scene of a stoush in Derrimut last Thursday – they were the ones taking part.

Twenty people from the emergency services took part in the Box’Tag tournament as part of the 2012 Victoria Police and Emergency Services Games.

The tournament was held at Healthy Buzz Boxing and Fitness and showcased the low-impact version of boxing.

Healthy Buzz co-owner Shane Busuttil said the Boxing Australia-approved sport was designed by the Australian Institute of Sport and CSIRO.

“It’s a safe version that can be used as part of community development, to bring kids and women into boxing so they can achieve the self-confidence and benefits of the sport,” he said.

Victoria Police Games Federation president Deputy Commissioner Tim Cartwright said Box’Tag was one of two new sports introduced to the 31st games, held in Melbourne this year.

“It involves light contact to the body only, emphasising speed, skill and physical conditioning,” he said.

During the week-long games, about 2500 emergency services members took part in events such as rowing, shooting, surfing and the half marathon.