Atlantic City PAL boxing
Atlantic City's PAL youth boxing program will get to go another round, courtesy of a state grant.
The $65,000 grant repeats one the city's Police Athletic League received last year, and also in 2019, before the pandemic interrupted things.
The PAL expects to have 20 youth participants in the program, with referrals coming from schools, community-based organizations, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, the Youth Services Commission and the courts.
Previous funding was used to launch an after-school boxing program to serve youth from the city between the ages of 11 and 18, with the goal of building self-esteem, providing a safe space to enjoy positive activities and propelling participants toward success.
This latest round of funding for the yearlong program will provide daily weekday activities from 3 to 6:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Atlantic City Police Chief James Sarkos expressed gratitude to Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and N.J. State Athletic Control Board Commissioner Larry Hazzard Sr. for the grant.
"This funding ensures the continuation of our boxing program, which provides discipline, mentorship and opportunity for our youth," Sarkos told BreakingAC. "Programs like this help build positive relationships between law enforcement and the community, guiding our youth toward success both in and out of the ring."
In addition to being trained in physical fitness and learning the business aspects of boxing, participants are expected to acquire life skills, attend career development workshops, assist in hosting an amateur boxing exhibition and compete in amateur boxing events.
In November, Boxing Insider hosted a main event for young boxers that benefited the Atlantic City PAL, and showcased some of the young boxers along with kids from throughout the area.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and New Jersey State Athletic Control Board (SACB) Commissioner Larry Hazzard Sr., today announced a new round of funding for a Trenton boxing gym and mentoring program and a youth boxing program in Atlantic City.
“These programs transcend boxing and can have an impact far beyond the ring,” Platkin said. “The participants learn how to interact with others and explore an array of potential career paths, while developing and maintaining physical fitness through sports and healthy eating habits. The opportunities that are made available to participants give them a chance to better their own futures.”
The Ike Williams Boxing Academy in Trenton also received a $65,000 grant to continue the program it launched last year that provides participants with boxing knowledge and physical fitness training, as well as instruction on nutrition, wellness and life skills.
The yearlong program is expected to reach 20 youth participants who will attend sessions three days per week, with each session lasting three hours.
