Between The Ropes

BY MIKE STAGNER

TODAY’S YOUTH BATTLE…
IN THE RING OR ON THE STREETS

With more than one child or teen being killed every day in Chicago, the score card proves a unanimous decision for the need for action, yet too many kids, young adults, parents, civic and church leaders, and City and Government Officials continue to bet against the odds.
While support and involvement for youth boxing and boxing programs continue to struggle, viewed by many as violent and inappropriate, the reality is that while they may endure some bumps, bruises and cuts, there have been no fatalities. The time for action and increased support and involvement for youth boxing programs is now. Chicago’s youth need to learn how to “rope a dope” and be provided with an alternative and reason to stay off dope.
Chicago’s youth face so many challenges, struggles and obstacles. From broken homes, to homes where today’s economy has forced a void of supervision and guidance as parents struggle working two jobs, youth boxing and coaches can be there to fill the gap. As more and more of Chicago’s youth drop out of school and turn to delinquency and crime, youth boxing can be there to provide scholarships, team support and teach the power of a “right hook” rather than seeing them become a crook.
Youth boxing is an activity and sport that teaches and promotes fun, discipline, individual strength, team spirit, work ethic, strategy, humility, sportsmanship, and love. Youth boxing is a fun and rewarding activity where no one looses and everyone wins.
As we live in a time where heroes and role models are hard to find or only found in fiction, youth boxing helps build character, courage, strength, balance, determination, nobility, loyalty, honor, commitment and more. In the ring, Chicago’s youth are taught the art of self defense. They can aspire to become positive role models and individuals that others can look up to. They stand tall and proud among their peers and aspire to be tomorrow’s heroes.
The fight is now for Chicago’s youth…and we must choose to encourage and cheer for them to be real life winners, champions and heroes. It is time for our community and its leaders to rise from the canvas and support youth boxing programs and boxers so they have a fighting chance in the battle against the delinquency and street violence that has our youth loosing their sense of purpose, themselves, and their lives.