|
YMCA Boxing Club to put 'em up |
|
|
|
Written by Caroline Zentner
|
|
Tuesday, July 14 2009, 10:40 PM |
YMCA Boxing Club coach Kevin Moline credits the training system he used more than 25 years ago as one of the most important factors in his rehabilitation from a serious workplace injury in 2000.
“It’s definitely a very aggressive fitness program,” Moline said.
He knows it works because it took fellow coach Rick Duff to the boxing competition at the 1984 Olympics and himself to a win against the then-United States Army champion. Moline was also two-time provincial champion.
He was working on an oil rig when a pipe fell on his head, causing some brain damage and fracturing his neck and spine. His rehabilitation led him back to boxing and eventually the YMCA Boxing Club was born.
He’s living proof that a big part of boxing is the mind. He and Duff use the adage that what the mind can conceive the body can achieve.
“I’m under the firm belief that boxing isn’t a sport, it’s a lifestyle,” he said.
Moline, along with Duff and Peter Petrik, sparring partners in the early ’80s, signed on as volunteer coaches and launched the YMCA Boxing Club in 2007. Some 14 students joined the first year but this year the number more than doubled to 35. The club is for students aged 10 and older, male and female.
Because of its growing size, the club is looking for an even bigger space. Moline said negotiations are underway but the location won’t be released until they’re completed. The club will remain at the YMCA for the rest of the year. When the club moves, it will become Bridge City Boxing, a not-for-profit group. An application for charitable status is in the works.
The club hosted a sub-novice boxing tournament in January and is planning to host the 2010 provincials to be held in the city Nov. 21 and 22. The nationals are scheduled for early 2010 so the Alberta team has to be in place well before.
The January tournament brought more than 100 boxers to the city with approximately 45 bouts during the weekend event. Moline expects about the same number will come to the November competition, which will be held at the YMCA. Meanwhile, Moline is trying to secure sponsorship to help with some of the $4,000 cost associated with hosting the tournament.
“We have been given permission to sell advertising on the walls for the weekend,” Moline said. “If one individual wants to sponsor the entire tournament that would be welcome. Anything would be welcome.”
The club won’t be able to issue tax receipts for donations until it has its charitable number but Moline expects it should be in place by November.
Anyone interested in buying advertising space for the tournament can call Moline at 403-328-2052.
|
