Global brand Reebok International has announced a partnership with a project that uses martial arts and boxing to steer young people away from crime and violence.
The company has also bought the UK based boxing and martial arts brand, LUTA, formed by Luke Dowdney MBE, the founder of Fight for Peace.
Luke is a former amateur boxer and British Universities champion who used sport as a way of attracting and working with young people from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro where the project began in 2000. This was followed by an academy opening in North Woolwich in 2007.
Now it provides a comprehensive programme combining boxing and martial arts, education, personal development, youth leadership and employability support, as well as a range of youth support services. The charity directly benefits over 3,000 young people each year in Rio and London, and has now trained over 100 community based organisations across 24 countries.
Luke said: “Our new partnership with Reebok and its acquisition of LUTA is incredibly exciting for Fight for Peace and its future. Both organisations share a strong belief in the power of fitness and training and the impact it can have on young people’s lives, particularly those at risk of being involved in crime and violence.
“Working with Reebok allows us to continue to build awareness for Fight for Peace, as well as secure a long-term funding structure for us to develop our international growth and development.”
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