Key Points
- Local Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz MS hosted a special screening of the British documentary Fighters at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay.
- Event organised in partnership with Great Britain Disability Boxing and Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club.
- Screening gathered supporters of disability sport from across Wales, including campaigners, athletes, and community leaders.
- Fighters explores disability, identity, and resilience through amateur boxing.
- Film follows individuals like Amelia, a young local deaf boxer preparing for her first bout, and Matt Edwards, a lower-limb amputee seeking his amateur boxing licence to turn professional.
- Documentary highlights barriers disabled people face in sport and society, plus inclusive opportunities’ impact.
- Chris McEwen of Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club, who features in the film, attended the screening.
- Club named Parasport Club of the Month in 2021 for disability support; runs inclusive boxing sessions in Pembrokeshire.
- Samuel Kurtz MS praised Chris McEwen as a passionate advocate who ensures sport opportunities for all.
- Kurtz called Fighters one of the most inspiring projects, showing achievements in the ring and barrier-breaking potential.
- Chris McEwen stated boxing should be accessible to all, emphasising determination, inclusive clubs, and welcoming support.
- Film co-directed by Michael Grimmett; features influencer Isaac Harvey and Paralympic champion Tanni Grey-Thompson on ableism.
- Matt Edwards lost leg in car accident at 19, battled addiction; boxing lifesaver but faces authority approvals.
- Screening at Pierhead building in Cardiff Bay, as noted in social media posts.
Cardiff Bay (Cardiff Daily) February 28, 2026 – A special screening of the British documentary Fighters took place at the Senedd, hosted by Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz MS in partnership with Great Britain Disability Boxing and Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club, drawing supporters from across Wales to celebrate inclusive sport. The event underscored themes of resilience amid disability challenges in boxing, featuring stories of determination that resonated with attendees.
What Triggered the Fighters Screening in Cardiff Bay?
As reported by staff writers of Pembroke Today, Local Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz MS recently hosted the screening at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay, partnering with Great Britain Disability Boxing and Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club. The gathering united supporters of disability sport throughout Wales, fostering discussions on inclusion.
Samuel Kurtz MS highlighted the partnership’s significance. He stated: “Sport is a fantastic social mobiliser, and working with Chris to bring this film to Cardiff Bay has been an immense pleasure. Fighters is one of the most inspiring projects I’ve ever been involved in. It shows not only what can be achieved in the ring, but what is possible when barriers are challenged and opportunities are opened up.”
The Pembrokeshire Herald echoed this, noting the screening brought together campaigners, athletes, and community leaders to reinforce accessible sport.
Who Are the Key Figures Behind the Event?
Chris McEwen of Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club, who appears in Fighters, attended the event. As detailed in Pembroke Today, the club earned Parasport Club of the Month in 2021 for its disability support and offers inclusive sessions across Pembrokeshire.
Samuel Kurtz MS praised McEwen directly. He added: “Chris is a passionate advocate for boxing and for our community. He works tirelessly to ensure that opportunities in sport are open to everyone, regardless of ability.”
Chris McEwen responded affirmatively. He said: “Boxing should be accessible to all. This film shows the determination it takes to break down barriers, but it also demonstrates why inclusive clubs matter. Our aim is simple, to ensure that anyone who wants to take part feels welcome and supported.”
What Does the Fighters Documentary Cover?
The powerful film delves into disability, identity, and resilience via amateur boxing, as covered by Tenby Today. It tracks Amelia, a young local deaf boxer gearing up for her debut bout, and Matt Edwards, a lower-limb amputee pursuing his amateur licence en route to professional dreams.
Pembrokeshire Herald reporters noted it spotlights broader barriers for disabled people in sport and daily life, while championing inclusive impacts.
A Guardian review by critic Peter Bradshaw described Fighters as a “rage-inducing study of barriers to participation in sport for disabled people,” co-directed by advocate Michael Grimmett. It features Isaac Harvey and Tanni Grey-Thompson addressing ableism, focusing on Matt Edwards’ post-accident journey—leg loss at 19, addiction struggles, and boxing as salvation despite bureaucratic hurdles.
Bradshaw wrote: “This documentary… goes beyond mere ‘inspiration’ to present a compelling examination of ongoing biases against disabled individuals in the UK today.” Edwards trains rigorously on his prosthetic, competing in white-collar events amid denials from authorities.
Why Focus on Disability Boxing Stories?
Fighters illustrates personal triumphs, like Amelia’s preparation and Edwards’ ambitions, per multiple local reports. It critiques systemic exclusions, aligning with McEwen’s inclusive ethos.
Kurtz MS emphasised sport’s mobilising power post-screening. The event at Cardiff Bay’s Pierhead, as shared on Instagram by attendees, amplified these narratives.
Pembroke Today stressed the film’s societal lens on barriers.
How Has the Boxing Club Contributed?
Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club stands central, with McEwen’s involvement. Named 2021 Parasport Club of the Month, it sustains inclusive programmes.
Supporters from Wales attended, per Pembrokeshire Herald, strengthening community ties. Kurtz MS lauded the club’s openness.
What Impact Did the Screening Have?
The event reinforced inclusive sport’s value, gathering diverse stakeholders. Statements from Kurtz MS and McEwen called for barrier removal.
As a neutral platform, it spotlighted Fighters‘ messages without endorsement, mirroring journalistic standards. Future sessions at the club continue this work.
