Tribute night to tragic 10-year-old shot with air weapon
A TRIBUTE night to a young martial arts fan who died tragically is taking place tomorrow.
Rhys Johnson was killed after being accidentally shot in the chest during a game of cowboys and Indians with a pal in September.
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Tribute night to tragic 10-year-old Rhys Johnson shot with air weapon
A charity Thai boxing event will be held tomorrow evening in honour of the 10-year-old, who was a big fan of the contact sport.
His former trainer Paul Wheel, who runs WPT Muay Thai in Fforestfach, described young Rhys as passionate and dedicated.
He said: "After Rhys's death his parents found a diary of his which said how much he enjoyed Thai Boxing and hoped one day to become world champ.
"He loved Thai boxing and was even buried in his outfit.
"After he died, everyone at WPT wanted to do something to celebrate his life and do something for a good cause at the same time — so it made sense to have a fight night in Rhys's honour as he would have loved it.
"The response so far has been amazing."
Some of the UK's best Thai Boxers have already agreed to compete at the event, with a British title bout taking place between current champ Adam Atkins, of Swansea, and Birmingham's Corey Stephens.
But the boxer who is going to be most fired up on the night is Rhys's teenage sister Ashley.
"Like her brother she is very dedicated," said Mr Wheel. "I think that Thai Boxing has helped her in a way to come to terms with what has happened."
Mr Wheel, aged 40, added: "All the fighters are going to be wearing pink T-shirts before they come into the ring as it was Rhys's favourite colour."
Proceeds from Sunday's event will be donated to a charity of chosen by Rhys's mum and dad, Dave and Wendy, who live in Midland Place, Llansamlet, Swansea.
But as well as the night, the former Talycopa Primary School pupil's name is to live on with a new award for the city's rising young Thai Boxers.
"We've bought a trophy and going to call it the Rhys Johnson Memorial Cup," added Mr Wheel.
"It's going to be for the best boxer each year."
The Rhys Johnson takes place at The Four Seasons, Trallwn Road, Trallwn, on Sunday from 4pm. Tickets cost £5.
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