ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and State Athletic Control Board (SACB) Commissioner Larry Hazzard Sr. announced on Tuesday, July 30 that the Atlantic City Police Athletic League (ACPAL) will be awarded a $65,000 grant for an after-school boxing program.
The Attorney General’s Youth Community Outreach Program for New Jersey Amateur Boxing will give 20 young community residents with boxing and fitness training and mentorships during after-school hours. They will also be competing in amateur boxing matches, with the possibility of advancing to national and international competitions. The youths will receive fitness training and instruction in health, nutrition, and wellness.
“The $65,000 we are awarding to this boxing and life skills program is an investment in 20 young people and the promise each of them holds if their best qualities are nurtured,” Grewal said. “It’s an investment in building a safer Atlantic City, not by making more arrests, but by encouraging young residents to choose healthy recreation over the street, and career exploration over gang exploitation. By training and mentoring these youths, the ACPAL will deliver a message to other youths in the community that there are positive alternatives.”
They also will participate in a series of monthly life skills and career development workshops that will focus on topics including anger management; conflict resolution; improved communication and decision-making; healthy lifestyles; and college and career exploration.
“The boxing program is a good developmental tool both physically and psychologically for our youth, as they will be trained in goal setting, respect, and self-restraint, as well as self-defense. They will be instructed on managing one’s emotions and maintaining composure, all while thinking their way through precarious or challenging situations,” Sergeant Monica Coursey, Director of the Atlantic City Police Athletic League said. “I would like to thank the Attorney General’s Office for this opportunity and for blessing our Atlantic City youth.”
The classes will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for 20 boys and girls from Atlantic City between the ages of 11 and 15. It will start in September and will be funded for 12 months, and will have six part-time staff members, as well as supplies and services.
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