Boxing Behind Bars

ICPA2023 Presentation by Heather Loontjens, Glenn De Greef and Ibrahim Emsallak (ICPA2023-PID113)

Authors

Heather Loontjens

Sports and Culture Coordinator, De Rode Antraciet, Belgium

After 2 years of giving training to employees (Werknemerswelzijn), I did a walking project with a teenager to Santiago de Compestela. A teenager in a juvenile prison chosed for this walking project, I was the companion. After this I worked for 5 years with minors with addiction problems, mostly drug addiction (De Sleutel). I start there as a group worker, after 3 years I continued as a family worker. In 2011 I start as a sports coordinator in 3 different prisons (Oudenaarde, Ghent, Dendermonde). After 6 years I only did 2 prisons, because I took the role in the organization to be a coach for the colleagues concerning mental well-being. Since 2022, I only work in the prison of Oudenaarde. Not only as a sports coordinator, but also as the coordinator of all the cultural activities. In addition to my job I’m a international referee in judo.

Glenn De Greef

Adjudant, Prison of Oudenaarde, Belgium

I’m Glenn, I’ve been working in prison since 2016. I first started working on section where people come after they get arrested, later I got promoted to quarterchef of prisoners that have been sentenced for more than 6 years. I was responsible for 4 sections. Each of those with 20 prisoners. My job was to help when there was any form of problem. Later on I had the chance to promote again to adjudant and that’s what I still do today. In this function I am head of security and the direct line between the security staff and direction. I particularly am responsible for sports and other activities in prison.Also I look out for jobs in prison like cleaning of the halls, visit rooms, accountability helper.

Ibrahim Emsallak

General Coordinator, Vlaamse Boks Liga, Flemish Boxing League, Belgium

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