DOWNTOWN BOXING GYM YOUTH PROGRAM TO CELEBRATE
GRAND OPENING OF NEW FACILITY
Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting Will Mark the Official Relocation of
Renowned Educational Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DETROIT – August 13, 2015: Downtown Boxing Gym Youth Program is finally relocating and expanding. Next Wednesday, August 19th from 9 – 11 a.m., staff, supporters, and Detroit dignitaries will be on hand to cut the ceremonial ribbon in the 27,500 square foot former bookbinding building that now houses two boxing rings, a training facility, computer lab, study rooms, and executive offices. DBG Youth Program has received national press and support from foundations and companies like ROSSETTI, Sachse Construction, The Ray of Light Foundation, and The Kresge Foundation.
“It is through the generosity of these foundations and companies that have helped realize our dream,” said Jessica Hauser, executive director. “And the belief from everyone who knows us that our kids deserve a chance at a winning future.”
Founder and Program Director Carlo “Coach Khali” Sweeney started the organization in 2007 as a way to keep his own kids safe from the rough streets of Detroit. 100% of the students who have finished the program have graduated high school. Until this year, the program only had the capacity to serve 65 students age 7-18. With the new building, DBG Youth Program can expand the program to include up to 150 students by 2017.
“It’s been a labor of love,” said Coach Khali. “We started out in a former car wash, and as we’ve stood strong in the storms, the move to a new building is a significant step in making sure our kids get the education they deserve.”
DBG Board Chair Matt Roling said the grand opening is a “culmination of drive, heart, and passion to make education and fitness accessible to everyone.”
ABOUT DOWNTOWN BOXING GYM
Downtown Boxing Gym Youth Program (DBG) is a free after school educational resource for Detroit Youth. The nonprofit develops good citizenship in urban youth through a demanding boxing program in addition to strong academic support and a connection to the community through voluntary service. To date, they boast a 100% high school graduation rate and most of those students go on to college. For more information, visit www.downtownyouthboxing.org. You can also like them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/downtownboxing and follow them on Twitter https://twitter.com/dtownboxingprog.
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