Sport Wales’ Energy Saving Grants are back and they certainly pack a punch – just ask boxing champ Joe Calzaghe.
The family-run Calzaghe Academy in Newbridge is among the 79 sports clubs who successfully applied to Sport Wales for a Energy Saving Grant of up to £25,000 last year to make its facilities more energy efficient.
By installing solar panels and upgrading its insulation, the Calzaghe Academy will save thousands of pounds off its energy bills for years to come, providing more financial stability to continue Joe’s legacy in his hometown.
Joe said: “We’ve trained many champions, but these days our focus is on supporting local amateurs and youngsters. Boxing was everything to me as a kid. I had a tough time at school, was bullied and was quite introverted. Coming to a gym gave me my self-worth, and that’s what we’re all about – providing somewhere for kids to have fun, get fit and feel good about themselves.
“The grant from Sport Wales will really help us reduce the cost of running the gym and give the kids a better environment to train in.”
