NEW venue and a new start for Tony Nobbs and his team at the Tweed Stingrays Gym in Greenway Drive. Photo: CRYSTAL SPENCER D126524
The Greenway Drive facility is bigger than the old haunt within the Tweed PCYC, brighter and better laid out, and so far has exceeded all expectations in terms of turn-out.
Boasting a vastly more professional set-up, the establishment features a new ring, punch and speed bags, gym equipment, showers and office, and of course the famous plethora of boxing memorabilia that once lined the walls of the PCYC.
So great is the difference, not even the cleanest right-hook could wipe the grin from trainer Tony Nobbs’ face.
“I just couldn’t be happier, and actually look forward to going in every day,” Nobbs said.
“All the boys are excited too, and so the floor is always full and everyone’s training has really lifted.
“We were able to achieve a lot at the old shared gym, but we can do so much more here in our own space because I can run it like a proper boxing-specific gym.”
While Nobbs has spearheaded the change in venue, he was quick to acknowledge the efforts of the Tweed Aboriginal Co-op for Sport, promoter Jamie Myer, and Condong-based trainer Stuart Stone.
Nobbs hopes he can give plenty back to the community that supports the gym.
“So many people are getting behind us, it’s amazing, and the team are extremely thankful,” Nobbs said.
“I want it known that this gym is open to absolutely anyone, young or old, black or white, rich or poor, and that we welcome diversity.
“I hope we can offer people, particularly local kids, another avenue to get them off the streets, and harness all that raw energy they have.
“It’s the people’s gym and I am running it for the Tweed community, with all money coming in going straight back into the gym’s development.”
Nobbs’ current stable includes Australian top-10 contenders Trevor Jacky and Matt Burns, Australian indigenous middleweight champion Dwayne Goode, and rising North Coast lightweight champion Tom Strain.
And while he is keen to attract more dedicated fighters, Nobbs is also making a concerted effort to expand the gym’s horizons, holding box-ercise classes on Monday’s and Wednesday’s from 7.30pm to lure more females, as well as those who are solely seeking the fitness element of boxing.
Alternatively, Nobbs is around the gym every day from 12 noon.
Source: tweednews.com.au
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