DAVID Blunkett has added his seal of approval to our Boxing against Bullying campaign.
The Brightside MP happily endorsed the project, run in conjunction with Sheffield Boxing Centre, when fighters and trainer Glyn Rhodes spread their anti-harassment message at the recent Parson Cross 5K run.
The issue is one dear to Blunkett's heart.
When he was Education Secretary, Blunkett issued specific guidance to teachers and parents on the subject.
He said: "For those who are bullied and their friends the message is simple - tell someone, don't suffer in silence.
"It is important that teachers and heads take seriously accusations of bullying from pupils and parents.
"The message needs to go loud and clear to the bullies: Bullying is unacceptable, it won't earn you respect.
Bullying should not be a normal part of school life; it must be challenged.
"Every pupil has the right to expect to be able to learn in a safe environment - and not to be bullied just because they are seen to be a little different."
Rhodes said he was delighted with the politician's support.
"One of his staff told me they were having problems on Parson Cross and we said we would be happy to be the bearers of anti-bullying message there at any time in the future."
n Meanwhile dethroned WBC champ Junior Witter cannot afford to lose again, warns handler John Ingle.
Having lost to Timothy Bradley in May, Ingle says: "Junior knows he cannot afford another slip if he wants to stay at the top level."
Sheffield and Doncaster-based Witter plans an assault on the European light welterweight title as a route back to regaining world status.
Click here to watch highlights of the Blades match at StocksbridgeWhat do you think? Post your comments below. READ MORE Football headlinesMore BladesMore OwlsMore SpireitesMore RoversMore RedsMore MillersMore Ice HockeyMore rugby leagueMore rugby unionMore boxingSports columnistsAll sport categoriesThe full article contains 336 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
