This money is used to buy shoes and other equipment for young boxers.
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Young people looking for a positive outlet and a safe space found both inside a boxing ring in Prince George's County. They build self-esteem, community spirit, and muscle at the Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Center.
County police worked with the organization Heels Off, Gloves On to make sure these young boxers had everything they needed to succeed.
Police Chief Malik Aziz stopped by the gym Thursday with a $1,000 donation. This money will be used to buy new boxing shoes and other equipment for the children.
“This is about saving the future. This is about crime prevention,” Aziz said. “This is the greatest tool we have to move our community forward.”
The partnership between the police department and Heels Off Gloves On came about after Assistant Police Chief Vernon Hale III saw a boxer on the show without proper footwear.
“He saw one of our young boxers with a hole in his shoe and said we have to do something about it,” Aziz explained.
For police, it's about bridging the gap between local youth and police officers. That's encouraging for the boxers at the Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Center.
“It feels great because I get to wear real boxing shoes and don't have to pay my parents for shoes,” said one boxer WUSA9 spoke to. “Boxing has been a big thing for me. It keeps me off the streets.”
The young boxer said he hopes to continue his development in the ring.
“When I get better, I can help people like the coaches and guys who helped me,” the young man said. “I was able to help them and I was able to help the community.”
Click here to learn more about the Heels Off, Gloves On Boxing Foundation.
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