Tamar Williams goes to the Albany Boxing Club every day. The 13-year-old, 80-pound, Myers Middle School student spends a couple of hours training before he gets on the city bus and goes to his job at a clothing store in Latham. He likes boxing, and he likes going on trips to compete in other cities. This weekend, he went to Plattsburgh to compete. "It's fun," he said. "You get to hit people without getting in trouble."
Located just off Central Avenue on Quail Street, the Albany Boxing Club is a city run recreation center with a focus on boxing. The afterschool program at the center is free, and draws in a big crowd. The kids, age 12-16, learn the basics of boxing, but they also learn more important lessons, said Head Coach Jerrick Jones. They learn to listen, to respect one another and themselves, and perhaps most importantly, they learn leadership skills, he said.
The afterschool program runs five days a week from 3-5:30pm. Kids train and work in the ring. Adults are also welcome at the club, which has a full gym and fitness machines. On the weekends, the club hosts sparring matches and shuttles kids to competitions.
Kimdo Bethel, 22, works with the kids also. He is a professional boxer who served as an alternate for the Olympic team. He was ranked number 3 in the country. He started out at this very club, eight years ago, and he's glad to have an opportunity to give back to the community in this way. "I'm trying to help them, to show them what boxing can do for you. It can take you all over the world. You meet a lot of different people, famous people," he said. "You can do it."
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