‘No place for bullying in sport’ — FABA coach

There is no place for bullying in sport.

That was the message from Fiji Amateur Boxing Association (FABA) head coach Cam Todd following allegations that a 16-year-old boy was tied up, forced to inhale marijuana and threatened with a cane knife by a group of youths in Galoa, Serua, last Saturday.

“Boxing is a great form of not only self-defence but also self-confidence,” Todd said.

“Not only does it teach you to defend yourself but gives you a lot more confidence in who you are as a person as well, so boxing can be very good for those things.”

Todd said the sport helps channel aggression in a controlled environment and teaches discipline.

“For me boxing is very good in both those ways,” he said.

“As a coach and former boxer, my advice is always never to start fights or anything like that.”

He acknowledged that bullies exist in all walks of life.

“You should always stand up to them and if you don’t make a stand, they’ll keep bullying,” he said.

“Boxing teaches you to have a bit of that inner strength as well, so you put up with bullies.”

On prevention, Todd said lessons must begin at home and in schools.

“I think it comes back from families like teaching your kids to be respectful of other people,” he said.

“The more people who are like that, the less bullying there is but there is going to be one or two people who are going to be like that.”

Todd said bullies should be identified and guided to ensure they do not become aggressive towards others.

“As an individual make sure you are confident and strong because there’s no place for bullying anywhere in the world,” he said.