Nelson Boxing Club named Best Club in British Columbia
BC Boxing presented its annual awards on April 27 at a card in Salmon Arm, giving Nelson three awards, including Best Youth Boxer Riel Martinez and Student Athlete of the Year for fighter Jacques Dole.
This is Nelson's second time receiving the state award, following in 2018, and reflects his accomplishments over the past year.
In 2023, the club represented Team BC and Team Canada in events in Mexico, Ireland and Colombia, and also won three state titles in November. One of his athlete girlfriends, Laura Brouillette, has been appointed the city's sports ambassador.
Since then, the club has also won its first national title, with Milan d'Orely winning gold in March.
Head coach Jesse Pineiro said the state recognition means a lot to the club, which has had to rebuild after the coronavirus pandemic.
“We have some really good fighters here, we win most of our fights, we fight at the state level, we fight at the national level, but we also don’t fight from here, where every fight is an eight-hour drive. There's a lot of effort put into it, and I think that's what people see.”
Martinez was recognized for winning the state title in November. Still a teenager, Martinez fought in an elite division for the first time against boxers in their mid-20s.
Pineiro also said winning the gold medal just eight days after the death of his older brother, former Nelson fighter Elias, was an achievement in itself.
“Boxing isn't easy either, as operating at that level is beyond what a normal person can handle. It's a hard sport. I'm very proud of him for that.”
Doole, 15, won the Jimmy Sims Award. Pineiro said the honor is given to fighters who demonstrate sportsmanship and are positive members of their club and community.
“I can't think of anyone who embodies these things better. Jack doesn't always win this fight, but I don't have to tell him to try harder. I tell him to practice harder. I don't have to tell him to show up. He's always positive. Even in the most ridiculous situations where others get discouraged, he just keeps going and is a great teammate. ”
Meanwhile, Pineiro also earned an honor he has worked for his entire career.
The current city councilor and former sports ambassador is one of nine coaches selected for the Canadian national team.
Pineiro, who also serves as the head coach of Team BC, was the only Western Ontario coach selected. He will be working with both youth and senior fighters at national and international events.
“It means a lot to me to get that recognition because I’ve been doing this work for a long time. And that’s always the goal and for me to get to that level and produce fighters of that level. That was always the goal.”