Giving her old life a knockout
December 9th, 2009 | Published in Stumpblog | 4 Comments
I’ve been lucky enough to know the incredible people at Toronto Newsgirls. They are a fantastic, brilliant group of folks who are life transformation magicians.
Jacqueline Scott has gone from a life of hard knocks to delivering knockouts in the ring. The 29-year-old single mother, who grew up in foster care, is on her way to becoming a plumber with dreams of competing in the 2012 Olympics. She credits the Shape Your Life boxing program, run out of the Toronto Newsgirls Boxing Club for giving her the strength to turn her life around.
Please don’t comment about how boxing is mean and violent. Nothing could be more mean and violent than the shit some of these women have gone through. Hand-holding “let’s rap about our feelings” does not work when you are struggling to get off drugs, kick out your deadbeat abusive boyfriend, and get food on the table in a very tenuous day-to-day existence. You need to find a safer, welcoming space where people let you smash inanimate objects and release your anger in a healthy way.
December 9th, 2009at 12:09 pm(#)
On the contrary, boxing teaches discipline, confidence, strength, perseverence, etc. I think this is a great program to help these people turn their lives around. And I couldn’t agree more – hand-holding may feel comfy for awhile, but does nothing to really empower change. Beating the crap out of a heavy bag is a great way to release pent up emotions.
December 9th, 2009at 6:48 pm(#)
I live in the U.S., but I’m very interested in donating to the program. Could you suggest that they put a donate button on their site (I’ll look again–I may have missed it). Thanks for posting this, Krista.
December 9th, 2009at 8:25 pm(#)
Great idea! Contact Savoy Howe and suggest it.
http://www.torontonewsgirls.com/tng_main/contact.php
December 21st, 2009at 11:21 am(#)
Bad ass. I love it. I would love to see women compete in MMA, also.