Red Deer, Alberta is the provincial hub of amateur sports and home to the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. Our passion is illustrated in the diversity and number of participants and sport organizations within our community. The volunteerism and spirit shown over the years is exemplified by our hosting events like the Alberta Summer Games, World Junior Hockey Championships, Labatt’s Brier & Scotties Tournament of Hearts and many provincial competitions. The pride and hometown spirit of our athletes has been exhibited in those who have achieved their dreams, but still refer to Red Deer as home. They include HNIC host Ron Maclean, Olympic Athletes Jeremy Wotherspoon, Deidra Dionne, Jamie Salé and hockey stars like Glen Wesley, Chris Mason among others. Red Deer has more trails for biking, hiking & walking than any city our size in Canada, and is in part, what creates our healthy and active lifestyle. This submission by the Piper Creek Optimist (PCO) Club is on behalf of the Red Deer Boxing Club. As a service club, we look to assist in building our community. After considering a number of possible and worthy organizations the boxing club has the most immediate and dire need for a ‘refresh’. If chosen by TSN and Kraft, the PCO club, from our own fundraising efforts, will contribute up to an additional $25,000 towards this program as needed, and would love to host TSN during our Westerner Days celebration this summer. For 20 years, the boxing club and currently 6 volunteer coaches have encouraged local kids to participate and combine athleticism, physical and mental conditioning, sportsmanship, discipline and self-worth into the sport of boxing. All participants leave the program with a can-do attitude and have illustrated that with results from local, provincial, national and Junior Olympic competitions. The original boxing ring, punching bags and equipment is in need of replacement, as is the hard tile floors, damaged mirrors and inadequate change rooms. They have faced temporary closures as structural changes were necessary to meet building codes. Through that, “We have never turned away any new member due to their inability to pay the monthly membership fee.” The club desperately needs a refresh in order to provide a safe and effective facility to train numerous athletes, most aged 12 to 17. Some members come from less fortunate homes. “A misconception exists that boxing is just another dangerous sport. I disagree. Boxing is the reason I have been successful in achieving my goals in life... I’ve not only become a world champion boxer at the young age of 18 years, boxing has also taught me how to grow from just another troubled youth to a champion in my adult life.” Cam O’Connell – Club Member, Provincial, National, & World Champion. The boxing club runs fundraising initiatives that cover the building lease, basic upkeep and tournaments; however, the shoe string budget has never left money for improvements. TSN and Kraft support will provide a safe environment to grow and build the club, community and enhance the number of kids we can help.
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COMMENTS (49)
06/11/09
I can't think of a more deserving community project!
06/11/09
Red Deer would be an awesome host.... maybe a broadcast from the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame? We definitely have community spirit and pride, you can see some of that in Brent Sutter returning to Red Deer, as part of that was family, the other part Red Deer and our own Red Deer Rebels. Also home to MMA fighter Jason McDonald. I can't think of a better place for TSN to broadcast anywhere in Alberta!!
06/11/09
Red Deer has a great sporting history with so many differing clubs and organizations. Central to Alberta, home of so many renowned athletes, an extensive trail system constantly in use. This would be ideal for TSN and Kraft to illustrate an active and healthy lifestyle with the addition of helping a group in need. I had a chance to look at the facility and it is tough to put into words how badly they need a refresh, but to say the least, the whole place has seen better days. Give us the opportunity TSN/Kraft and we will not dissappoint!
06/17/09
Red Deer is on the grow, and with that comes a need to offer our youth opportunities to be involved and participate. The Boxing Club has continued to support and offer our youth an opportunity to participate, discipline and rise above, and has not been deterred in its mandate by lack of a proper facility. As our city expands, this club needs the support TSN/Kraft is offering to continue to do good works in keeping our youth engaged, involved and an alternative to the street!
06/18/09
I have been a club member for more than three years now. In my early twenties I am a fair bit older than the majority of the members. There are alot of members that come and go in their mid-teens, some stay longer than others. Everyone comes for different reasons, some come for the exersize, some for the chance to compete at a great sport that isn't appretiated enough for the level of sportsmanship, competition, and surprising amount of teamwork that boxing brings. Plus the club has six great coaches that donate their time for the youth, and everyone ambitious to learn. Furthermore the club could use the money to help develop the rest of the space to accommodate the growing amount of interest in the sport in Red Deer.