Not just sport: how «More than Boxing» lifts young people up
At the end of November 2025, the ninth «Youth Gala» took place in Cluj-Napoca (Romania). This event honored projects carried out by and with young people. The «More than Boxing» program was awarded first place by the juries in two categories. What may come as a surprise is that this program is not backed by a sports club, but rather is a touching form of «church for others.».
Around 150 projects were submitted in the run-up to the «Gala der Jugend» (Youth Gala) – in the categories «Inclusion and Diversity,» «Green, Ecology, and Sustainability,» «Civil Society Engagement,» «Employment and Employability,» «Health and Well-being,» «Art and Culture,» and «Education.».
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Double recognition for a versatile project
Those responsible for the close cooperation with the Evangelical Methodist Church in Cluj-Napoca The jury for the associated program «Mehr als Boxen» (More than Boxing) had selected two categories for their work with young people in the city: «Inclusion and Diversity» and «Health and Well-being.» The juries for both categories were so impressed that they awarded the program first place. In order to highlight and recognize other valuable initiatives, it was decided to award «Mehr als Boxen» only in the «Inclusion and Diversity» category.
Roots and network of the program
«Founded in 2024, »More than Boxing" is a program run by the diaconal branch of the EMK in Romania, which operates as an association. Phoneo Seven other NGOs and three sports clubs later joined as partners and contribute to the implementation of the program. However, the roots, identity, and overall coordination remain with Phoneo and the EMK in Romania.
Boxing as a gateway to personal development
The aim is to use boxing as a gateway to comprehensive and profound personal development. This project brings together what society tries to divide. Around 150 young people take part each year. They are recovering from drug addiction, are traumatized, belong to the marginalized Roma population, have fled to Romania from another country, live with a physical disability, or face other challenges. What unites them is their vulnerability, their isolation, and—in many cases—their lack of self-esteem.
Mentoring, therapy, and community
As the name suggests, boxing is only part of the program. In addition to individual and group training and participation in competitions, mentoring, counseling, and therapy are equally important elements. It is this combination that has a promising effect: young people are strengthened in their identity and self-esteem. Through the appreciation they experience, they take significant steps in their personal development. They feel that change is possible – because they are part of a community where they are seen as people, not problems. They open up and learn constructive ways of dealing with difficulties. This builds trust and confidence for the present and the future. Another factor that should not be underestimated is the credible and reliable leadership provided by people who have themselves undergone the transformation that they are working towards with the young people.
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A sign of blessing and encouragement
Anca Beu, who coordinates many of the EMK's projects and programs in Cluj-Napoca, describes the award as a great encouragement for the entire team. «The start was a step into the unknown, with no guaranteed funding. And our journey to get here has meant a lot of work, constant effort, moments of disappointment, limits being tested...» The award does not change the direction or values of «More than Boxing.» Rather, it is a sign of God's blessing on the work He has entrusted to them. «It strengthens our belief that God is present in our work and that He is using this program to bring hope and healing into the lives of young people. At the same time, we also see this recognition as a sign that we are succeeding in integrating spiritual work into everyday life in the city in a discreet and very practical way. We want to be the hands and feet of God in the lives of these young people, not by proclaiming our faith loudly, but by letting our actions, relationships, and constant presence speak for themselves.»
Text based on sources by Anca Beu
Featured image: Young people participating in the program
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