Youth Organizations abandon boxing

[Dennis]

It seems that more and more youth organizations are abandoning their boxing programs. Years ago, the Boys & Girls Clubs had many boxing programs across the country. It seemed like there was a PAL boxing program in every city. Now one by one, these programs keep getting cut. Why? These programs help keep kids off the streets and out of gangs. They help teach the kids how to become responsible adults. Boxing is a sport that has saved thousands of kids, but instead of expanding their programs, these organizations are cutting them.

Here is another article about a local PAL organization eliminating boxing from its PAL program. Maybe the National PAL should remind these local organizations of their support for amateur boxing and how local boxing programs reduce youth crime and keeps the kids in school.

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/bro ... oxing.html

[T Duquette]

I read the article Dennis. This man Urrita is a jackass. We should all organize and get on him before he causes more damage. In a time when we desperately need to increase membership this is the last thing we need.

[415BOXING]

Here in San Francisco were on the opposite end of this.The PAL program here will be opening their new gym in 2 weeks,which I'm putting together now.The PAL boxing program has been in existance for decades,in fact,my dad use to box for the program back in the early 70's,but the program has been up and down for the last 20 years,due to budget and venue issues.Now there are people who are behind this program %100 with a focus of making it very successful

[Dennis]

I read the article Dennis. This man Urrita is a jackass. We should all organize and get on him before he causes more damage. In a time when we desperately need to increase membership this is the last thing we need.

I agree.

[Dennis]

Here in San Francisco were on the opposite end of this.The PAL program here will be opening their new gym in 2 weeks,which I'm putting together now.The PAL boxing program has been in existance for decades,in fact,my dad use to box for the program back in the early 70's,but the program has been up and down for the last 20 years,due to budget and venue issues.Now there are people who are behind this program %100 with a focus of making it very successful

Maybe you can get your PAL contacts to notify this other PAL organization and let Urrita know that boxing programs are a huge benefit to a community and the youngsters within.

[atlanta coach]

Its pure POLITICS.. This Urrita guy is nothing but a beauracrat, and dont think just because someone oversees a youth program that there number 1 concern is the community and the kids that need gyms like this as an outlet, and trust me National Pal really has no say or input when it comes to these local Govt.'s and how they run their Pal programs - Any Pal program is only as strong as their board of directors, or the person in charge of overseeing it. It doesnt help with all the new fee increases - $50 to 60.00 a passbook is rediculous , the only thing that can guarantee USA Boxing is fewer passbooks purchased and lower membership. I salute that officer in the story, he did what he had to do to keep the doors open. People like this Uritta dont understand the impact a gym in a neighborhood like this has.