More than boxing

At the end of November 2025, the "Gala of the Youth" took place for the ninth time 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 it is not primarily a sports club that is behind this program; rather, it is a touching form of "being church for others".
 
Around 150 projects were submitted in the run-up to the "Gala of the Youth" - in the categories "Inclusion and Diversity", "Green, Environmental and Sustainability", "Civic Engagement", "Employment and Employability", "Health and Well-being", "Art and Culture", and "Education".
 
Those responsible for the "More than Boxing" program, which is closely linked to The United Methodist Church in Cluj-Napoca, had selected two categories for their ministry with young people in the city: "Inclusion and Diversity" and "Health and Wellbeing". The juries of both categories were so enthusiastic that they awarded the program first place. In order to give visibility and recognition to other valuable initiatives, it was then decided to award "More than Boxing" in the "Inclusion and Diversity" category only.
 
"More than Boxing", which was founded last year, is a program of Phoneo Association, the diaconal organization of the UMC in Romania. Seven other NGOs and three sports clubs later gathered as partners and collaborators, contributing to the implementation of the program. Its roots, identity, and overall coordination, however, remain with Phoneo and the UMC in Romania.
 
The aim of this program is to use boxing as a gateway to comprehensive and profound personal development. What society tries to separate is brought together. Around 150 young people take part each year. They are on their way out of drug addiction, are traumatized, belong to the marginalized Roma population group, have fled to Romania from another country, live with a physical disability or other challenges. What they have in common is their vulnerability, their isolation and - in many cases - their lack of self-esteem.
 
As the name suggests, boxing is only one part of the program. In addition to individual and group training as well as participation in competitions, mentoring, counseling, and therapy are equally important elements. It is this mixture 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 in which they are seen as people, not as 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 of people who have themselves experienced the transformation they are working towards with the young people.
 
Anca Beu, who coordinates many projects and programs of the UMC in Cluj-Napoca, describes the award as a great encouragement for the entire team. "The start was clearly into the unknown, without secured resources. And the journey to this point has meant a lot of work, constant effort, moments of disappointment, and limits put to the test..." 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 that God has entrusted to them. "It strengthens our faith 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 managing to integrate, in a discreet and deeply practical way, a spiritual work into the everyday life of the city. We desire to be the hands and feet of God in the lives of these young people, without loudly proclaiming our faith, but by letting actions, relationships and constant presence speak."
 
Source: Anca Beu, Cluj-Napoca / Editing: Urs Schweizer, Zurich