Northwest Amateur Boxing Marks First Anniversary

February 18 marked the one year mark for Northwest Amateur Boxing's operation, which is located at 45 Water St. in Torrington. During this first year of operation, some 75 youngsters, both boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 18, have joined the program and participated in the physical training and Olympic-style boxing instruction. Many of these youngsters have become part of the competition team and gone on to local, statewide and regional competitions where they made the northwest corner of Connecticut proud!

The mission of the club has always been to promote fair play, good sportsmanship, courtesy, self-respect and respect for others, appreciation of hard work to attain goals, and the importance of physical and mental fitness to excel not only in sports, but in life in general. The program also promotes anti-drug, anti-smoking and anti-alcohol programs as an integral part of the daily training activities.

Several new programs have been developed for the members, including a clothing bank to assist youngsters who lacked appropriate winter clothing, as well as a homework assistance club available from 4-5 p.m. weekdays.

Northwest Amateur Boxing is affiliated with United States Amateur Boxing, a division of the United States Olympic Committee, and as such is subject to careful compliance with coaching standards as well as safety practices. Interested persons are invited to observe the program any weekday afternoon from 5-7:30 p.m. Coaches and members are always willing to answer questions or demonstrate their skills.

Fundraising is an ongoing project and, to that end, another boxing show is scheduled for Saturday evening, April 26 at the Torrington High School gym. In addition, the second annual golf tournament to benefit the club is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23 at Fairview Farms Country Club in Harwinton; interested golfers are invited to call 860-567-8902 for more info.