NEW YORK—Boxers and coaches from the U.S. Olympic boxing team visited the Boys and Girls Club of East Harlem on July 10, teaching campers through a boxing inspired workout and signing autographs. Campers were given the opportunity to ask questions and received complimentary autographed mitts and posters from the team.
Campers, attending elementary and middle schools, engaged coaches and boxers alike in a boxing workout sponsored by Everlast and the USA Boxing in the gymnasium.
The children learned blocking jab and cross punches while practicing power punches on heavy bags. A boxer stood by a tear-dropped speed bag and demonstrated how to build reflexes and repetitive punching skills.
Coaches trained campers on punching in individual hand to hand practice sessions. Campers also practiced rope jumping and sit ups as warm up exercises.
The boxing equipment was scattered and campers rotated around the gym to experience and hone each skill.
Three coaches and eight boxers from the team were present. During the question and answer session, two boxers displayed their skills in rope jumping and attack and defensive maneuvers.
Three girls from the camp, Cecilia Torres, Elisabeth Perez and Hilary Morocho, said that boxer Deontay Wilder’s daughter as his motivation was inspiring. “Because most kids out here don’t have a motivation, so when they see that a champion has the motivation to do what he’s gotta do, they think oh yeah I have a motivation [too] and I'll be like him,” said Perez.
They believe that the team’s visit will also inspire children to stay out of trouble. When friends see them attempt to better their lives, they may follow as well. Perez said, “For us, it’s something bigger.”
Other students were merely awed to be in the presence of champions. Davonte Bristol, a boy who engaged heavily in all activities, said, “I feel like a star.”
The team has relations with many other Boys and Girls Clubs around the nation. Coach Robert Martin said, “[I’ve had] excellent experience being with kids from all over the country. I get to learn some things from them and they get to learn little from me.”
Children not only enjoyed an afternoon of sparring with a professional boxing team, but also received free meals, autographed boxing gloves and other Everlast products.
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