Skip to content
Main Content
14/12/2008
Dorchester coach an 'Unsung Hero'
Ben Geyser, a 70-year old boxing coach from Weymouth, has been named BBC Sports Unsung Hero 2008. He received the accolade at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards in a glittering ceremony at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on Sunday 14 December.
He said: "I'm absolutely elated. It has just all come around so quickly, I don't know what to say. For a guy like me at 70 to win an award is amazing and I know it isn't going to happen again."
According to his friends and colleagues, Ben has lived and breathed boxing since he first stepped into the ring aged 10. First competing as an amateur and then working tirelessly as head coach, he has instilled his love of the sport into hundreds of youngsters over the past 60 years.
Ben has established three clubs Portland; Swanage; and more recently Dorchester where he is currently working to find a permanent home. The clubs are open to anyone and Ben's work goes above and beyond the call of coach. Not only does he develop those with potential, spending his free time organising tournaments, transporting boxers, fundraising and promoting the club, he is also a role model, providing a safe, friendly, environment where young people can get guidance and support on any aspect of their lives.
Ben, who was the BBC South winner, along with the other 14 nations and regions winners, will be eligible for a £2,500 bursary. The bursaries are intended to benefit and further the work each Unsung Hero has been doing to help sport in their community.
Now in its sixth year, the BBC Sports Unsung Hero Award recognises and rewards outstanding contributions by everyday people who give up their time and energy to encourage and enable others to participate in sport.
Olympic 4x100m relay silver medallist Iwan Thomas presents Ben Geyser with
his BBC Sports Unsung Hero trophy
In naming Ben as the BBC South Sport's Unsung Hero the judging panel commented: "The panel was impressed by Ben's length of service, his tireless commitment and the widespread benefits to individuals and the community as a whole. We felt Ben was a great ambassador for boxing and a positive role model to the hundreds of young people who have benefited over the years from his guidance and support, both inside and outside the ring. Ben is keen to provide all young people from any background with a club where they're welcome - not just those with boxing potential."