Getting in the ring for Alzheimer's New Zealand

Hi Guys! My name is Maya and ive been selected to fight at OUSA's first ever Charity Fight Night on July 13th 2018! The last 4 weeks of boxing boot camp have been an amazing journey for me so far both physically and mentally and I am excited for the next 4 weeks of intense training to get ready for the fight!

I have many reasons for deciding to do this fight. I wanted to get fit and lose some weight, as well as improve my mental health and wellbeing. I have always been interested in boxing but have, before now, been too scared to actually do it. This event will push me out of my comfort zone and prove to myself (and others) I can do anything I set my mind to. I run the Locals Programme at the University of Otago so I'm also wanting to encourage my first-year students to take chances and take any opportunity presented to them even if it is a little scary by leading by example! As someone who has struggled with my weight and body confidence for a number of years, it has been hard for me to decide to apply for something like this, especially as there is such a big emphasis on your weight. I want to show that my size doesn't necessarily mean that I am unfit, or restrict what I can do.

I have chosen Alzheimer’s New Zealand as my charity. Alzheimer’s affects many families, including my own which has a long history of this disease. Those who are suffering from it, the families of sufferers, and those supporting someone through Alzheimer’s require a large amount of specialist care. Organisations like Alzheimer’s New Zealand help provide this care, as well as advocacy for sufferers, and helping fund research to find a cure!

So I'm putting in all the hard work to get my skills up to scratch before I get in the ring all you have to do is like, share, and donate!! Every little bit counts to help this amazing cause!