The Y is excited and proud to celebrate Filimaea, one of our Lagoon Centre lifeguards, who recently travelled to Wellington to compete at the New Zealand National Boxing Tournament - a five-day competition held in September. This was his third Nationals appearance, following a runner-up finish two years ago and an impressive win at the Australian Nationals in July.

A Rising Talent

Filimaea had his first boxing match at just seven years old but didn’t return to the sport until he was 18, stepping into the ring competitively at 19. Now, at only 22, he has quickly established himself as one of Aotearoa’s most promising amateur fighters. His dream is to turn professional, but for now his sights are set on Nationals and the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Balancing the demands of full-time training with part-time work at the Lagoon Pools, Filimaea has shown what dedication looks like. His commitment to both his sport and his community is nothing short of inspiring.

Community Behind Him

To help get him to Wellington, our people at The Y Lagoon Pool and Leisure rallied together, holding a fundraising bake sale that raised more than $367. Homemade treats were baked and sold to members, with every dollar going toward supporting his journey.

Alongside fundraising, The Y has supported Filimaea by offering flexibility with time off and training needs, ensuring he can prepare fully and perform at his best in the ring.

Looking Ahead

The Nationals mark another milestone on Filimaea's path to the Commonwealth Games, and, ultimately, a professional boxing career. We are incredibly proud to support him as he continues to chase his dreams, both in and out of the ring.