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Good to see some good done with Boxing. Gotta show the seeds the light.
P.A.L. Boxers
AUSTIN -- A local youth program is helping get kids off the streets and into the boxing ring. The Police Activities League of Austin (P.A.L.) has grown from 12 boxers to 105 since its inception last March, and is showing no signs of slowing down.
"That's exactly what we're here for," said APD Senior Officer Phil Contatore.
"We give the kids something constructive to do after school, bring them in here, and teach them discipline."
Contatore heads the P.A.L. program, which is new to Austin, but has already worked in other cities including New York.
"That's how P.A.L. started. A detective in New York City wanted to get gang members off the street and give them something to do," he said.
Two Austin P.A.L. boxers have qualified for the upcoming Silver Gloves Championships in Independence, Missouri. Zachery Martinez Jr., 14, and 13-year-old Michael Baladez will both be swinging for titles later this week.
"I enjoy everything about it," Martinez said. "Being able to hit the bags, work hard, and at the end of the day you know you've done something."
The good feelings are mutual.
"I couldn't be prouder," Contatore said. "When I see them up there boxing, it's like they're my kids. I burst with pride."
AUSTIN -- A local youth program is helping get kids off the streets and into the boxing ring. The Police Activities League of Austin (P.A.L.) has grown from 12 boxers to 105 since its inception last March, and is showing no signs of slowing down.
"That's exactly what we're here for," said APD Senior Officer Phil Contatore.
"We give the kids something constructive to do after school, bring them in here, and teach them discipline."
Contatore heads the P.A.L. program, which is new to Austin, but has already worked in other cities including New York.
"That's how P.A.L. started. A detective in New York City wanted to get gang members off the street and give them something to do," he said.
Two Austin P.A.L. boxers have qualified for the upcoming Silver Gloves Championships in Independence, Missouri. Zachery Martinez Jr., 14, and 13-year-old Michael Baladez will both be swinging for titles later this week.
"I enjoy everything about it," Martinez said. "Being able to hit the bags, work hard, and at the end of the day you know you've done something."
The good feelings are mutual.
"I couldn't be prouder," Contatore said. "When I see them up there boxing, it's like they're my kids. I burst with pride."