UKRAINIAN youngsters have celebrated completing a boxing course that has helped them adjust to life in the UK.
Ten refugee children were challenged to develop their skills through the ten-week course run by Eastleigh Boxing Club and BoxWise.
A pair of golden gloves was awarded to Oleh Chyrva for showing the most promise.
The 12-year-old said he was "shocked" after winning.
He said: "My mum is really proud of me and that makes me happy.
"I am from Ukraine and my mum was worried about me being happy when we came here.
"I am happy because I have made friends here and my mum has too."
Sisters Olena, 16, and Yaroslava Chernova, 14, joined the programme after moving to Bishopstoke in April.
Olena said: "We used to both box back home for about two years so when we left we wanted to connect where we were to where we are now."
Yaroslava added: "It's a good fit for us because I do a lot of training for other sports too but this one feels more like we're together with everyone."
The youngsters were honoured with a certificate given to them by the Tory MP for Eastleigh, Paul Holmes and the former chairman of English boxing, Caspar Hobbs.
Meanwhile, co-founder, Rick Ogden, and operational manager, Scott Lovelook, both of BoxWise gave the children Amazon vouchers.
Rick said: "It is an honour to be here not just for BoxWise and what it does to bring children into fitness but for how it joins and builds communities.
"We will continue to support [the scheme] through our next steps. Just because the ten weeks are over does not mean this is the end."
BoxWise which is funded by the Nick Maughan Foundation provided the Eastleigh Boxing Club with equipment and a curriculum to follow for the course.
Club owner and coach, Stuart Rooney said the programme has "connected the community".
He said: "It feels lovely seeing everyone here. I can see parents and their kids coming together and it's really heartwarming.
"It's been fantastic to see the kids' self-confidence and ability grow as well as becoming friends with one another."
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