Neshmiya Malik and Gaynor Hall
21 minutes ago
PARK CITY, Ill. — The Lake County Training Program is building an inclusive space where people from all walks of life can learn the benefits of boxing.
A group of Muslim youth from Islamic Foundation North in Libertyville are taking self-defense classes to increase their confidence and skill in the power of boxing.
Libertyville High School senior Yana Abdelrahman said getting into the ring is one way to correct misconceptions and build strength at the same time.
“There is a widely shared misconception that we are oppressed and that our religion teaches us to oppress women, which is a huge misconception,” Abdelrahman said.
Angel López founded the academy after seeing how his son profited from boxing after he was being bullied.
“We tried to find something that would be a good outlet to give him proper discipline and confidence,” Lopez said.
Angel's Boxin Academy is a nonprofit organization that provides classes and a variety of programs to youth and diverse communities.
“It doesn't matter what color your skin is or what your religion is. Doors should not be closed to anyone,” Lopez said.
For more information, please visit https://angelsboxingacademy.org/.