Gloves Not Guns Boxing Clinics Offer Chicago Youth Positive Alternatives
Free Clinics Introduce Youth to the Many Benefits of Boxing
Release Date: 01/07/08
As part of the Gloves Not Guns program launched in November, the Chicago Park District is offering three days of free instruction and coaching at select citywide boxing centers to beginners ages 8-17.
Clinics will be held on Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the following dates at three locations:
• Jan. 26 at Mozart Park, 2036 N. Avers, 312-742-7535
• Feb. 23 at Lindblom Park, 6054 S. Damen, 312-747-6443
• March 1 at Union Park, 1501 W.Randolph, 312-746-5494
Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Timothy J. Mitchell said, “The goal is to introduce boxing to youth who might not have been exposed to it with the hope that the clinic will inspire them to continue boxing. The program is part of an initiative to offer youth positive alternatives as opposed to being in the streets or joining gangs.”
The City of Chicago and World Sport Chicago launched Gloves Not Guns this fall in cooperation with the Chicago Park District, USA Boxing and the Police Athletic League.
The program provides free instruction and coaching for all attendees at designated clinics conducted by the Park District and Police Athletic League. Clinic participants will learn the techniques of offense and defense, while experiencing shadow boxing, jumping rope, speed bag and heavy-bag routines.
Gloves Not Guns also focuses on the benefits of the sport, such as building muscle tone and strength, endurance, cardiovascular fitness and self-confidence.
The Chicago Park District currently operates 19 citywide boxing centers. Its youth boxing program has produced a number of professionals including Olympians Michael Bennett, David Diaz, Nate Jones and Leroy Murphy and former champion Montell Griffin.
- Contact Phone: 312 742 7529