Behind the scenes [Justin Wallace]

Putting together an event like Fight for Christchurch takes a lot of commitment and passion. If you get a chance to talk to Justin, you find a guy who loves to orchestrate an event.  It might sound like a cliche, but you will find a humble man who dreams big dreams. Managing events runs in Justin's blood and he has been dreaming up ideas and running with them since he was a teenager.

Justin started running boxing events from Cowles Stadium in 2010. At a low point in his life, he saw an opportunity and decided take a risk and run with it. It was a tremendous challenge to sell the idea to the people of Christchurch, but Justin was determined and with the support of his family he managed to get sponsors and boxers on board. 

The events that Justin organises have gained momentum over the last five years. In a city that has lost so much to the earthquakes, it has become even more important to the citizens of Christchurch to be able to go out and partake of a glamorous event.  Justin makes sure that all the little details add up to create an atmosphere and the wow factor that mark the Fight for Christchurch and the Battle of the Rebuild boxing events. 

Passionate about boxing and Rugby league, Justin can talk for hours about the sport he loves. His office space is cluttered with sporting artifacts. It is no accident that Justin runs sporting events, it combines his two loves: sports and event management!

Since the very first event in April 2010 the events have helped raise $819,597.00 for the Christchurch community. This incredible achievement has been driven by one man but supported by the community. Justin's drive and passion has enabled him to give a voice to others. By getting ordinary every day people the opportunity to train, fundraise and fight, they find within themselves strength they didn't know they had. The chance to box in a Fight for Christchurch, or Battle of the Rebuild event is life changing.

Justin has big dreams for sporting events in Christchurch. Get him talking about it and his eyes sparkle! Seeing as he has achieved so much in such a short time, it is entirely probable that his dreams will come true. This is great news for Christchurch as we head into the biggest rebuild that New Zealand has seen, it is events like this that add heart to the community and some much needed pizzazz to a city that definitely needs it.

The next Fight for Christchurch event is on 22 November and preparation is well underway for this. Keep an eye on our Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and read this blog to continue following the developments.