By: Daisy Okiring
Nairobi Kenya, April 17, 2024- In Ongata Rongai Kenya, one man has emerged as a beacon of hope, transcending the conventional boundaries of both sport and environmentalism. Meet Michael Otieno Ragot, affectionately known as Coach Mike, a pioneering boxing coach whose mission extends far beyond the confines of the boxing ring, as he advocates for a cause close to his heart: environmental conservation.
Coach Mike started boxing in 2014 and became the head coach at the Ongata Rongai Boxing Club in 2018. He explains what drove him to merge boxing and environmental advocacy: “Our community was very dirty. There were piles of garbage thrown on the main stage where buses pick up commuters going to town. One of my boxers got injured after tripping on the garbage. That made me realize I had to do something to clean up our community.”

The renown boxing champion engages his boxers in environmental initiatives because he feels responsible for making his community a better place to live. “I want to ensure future generations have a clean environment, clean air and water,” he says. “And since I have so many boxers in my club, I want to inspire them to be responsible and care about the environment.”
Coach Mike has found creative ways to combine boxing training with environmental clean-ups. “We usually plan one clean-up every month, even if we don’t have any competitions coming up,” he explains. “Most of my boxers really care about the environment and they attend these clean-ups.”

However, Coach Mike has faced some challenges. “Organizing clean-ups requires money, which we don’t have enough of. And the local officials put pressure on us, feeling that we’re doing their job,” he admits.
Despite the obstacles, Coach Mike has had some successes. “I’m proud that we’ve cleaned up the garbage piles at the bus stage. And I’ve convinced my boxers to care more about the environment,” he says.
Looking ahead, Coach Mike is planning an “Inter-Sports Climate Change and Environmental Advocacy Dialogue” to raise awareness about environmental issues.
Through his unique approach, Coach Mike is proving that positive change can come from unexpected places. By blending boxing and environmentalism, he is transforming lives and communities.
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