Renowned former European boxing champion and two-time Olympic medalist Nouchka Fontijn of the Netherlands conducted a boxing clinic and donated training equipment in Dar es Salaam on May 1st.
Fontijn, accompanied by the President of the Tanzania Boxing Federation (BFT), Lukelo Willilo, and the Chairperson of the BFT Women and Athletes Committee, Asha Voniatis, led two clinics at the BBC Club in Manzese and later at Manzese Darajani. The sessions were attended by young, aspiring boxers, including rising talent Mahad Bakari.
Speaking during the event, Fontijn emphasized that the clinics were designed to empower young and emerging boxers of all age groups, with a special focus on encouraging greater participation by women. She expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the enthusiasm shown by the participants.
"I’m truly delighted to engage with these young athletes and share my knowledge of boxing techniques. This visit has also allowed me to fulfill a long-held dream of donating sports equipment in Africa especially here in Tanzania," said Fontijn.
She departed early the following morning for Arusha, where she plans to conduct another clinic and distribute additional equipment. Her visit will conclude with a safari tour to Ngorongoro Crater and other national attractions.
Fontijn, who retired in 2021, is one of the most decorated Dutch female boxers. Competing in the middleweight (75kg) category, she earned two Olympic medals silver at Rio 2016 and bronze at Tokyo 2020. She also won multiple medals at the World Championships: bronze in Jeju (2014), silver in Kazakhstan (2016), and silver in New Delhi (2018).
Her European accolades include gold in Sofia (2018), silver in Rotterdam (2011), and a gold medal at the 2015 European Games in Baku.
In both the Rio 2016 Olympic final and the 2016 World Championship in Astana, Fontijn was narrowly defeated by American boxer Claressa Shields, the current undisputed world heavyweight champion holding WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO titles.
BFT President Lukelo Willilo praised the initiative, noting the clinics sparked significant interest among local children many of whom expressed a desire to take up the sport after observing the sessions.