Parents, you looking for a place where you kids can possibly boost academic performance, reduce risky behaviors, get physically fit, in a safe, structured environment? Then you need to stop by and visit Star City Boxing and see for yourself. I stopped by for a visit and met four young boys whose lives have changed drastically. I interviewed the kids themselves to see just how this place was impacting their lives.
When I spoke with Martin Valencia 17 yrs old I couldn’t believe he weighed 270 pounds and now weighs 172 lbs. A kid who says he couldn’t do one jump rope. He said he used to fake his confidence but now is very confident and wants to be a Realtor. I wonder where he got that idea.
Steve Torres, 21 years old who is 6’8 and weighed 405 lbs. He was depressed, and he didn’t like stepping outside his house, so he became a gamer. Now he is weighing about 200 lbs. and has super high self-esteem. His life is the gym and he loves to box. His record is 10-1 and he doesn’t see himself doing anything else. He believes we are a product of our own environment and says Star City boxing is like family to him.
We also met Max Baez 15 yrs. old even though he doesn’t talk much. His father expressed that his son made a complete u-turn. He stated my son now has discipline, and character. He feels healthy and has learned to control his anger. His boxing record is 14-5. I recall meeting Max two years ago when Star City Boxing wasn’t even opened yet and Max was helping put the place together by painting moldings, little did he know that he was investing in his future.
Then I met Eric Martinez 14yrs. old, they say he likes to make others laugh but I’m sure he can knock me out and that is no joke. His record is 58-10. I asked him how he got to Star City Boxing and he said my mom brought me here. Great call mom!
One of the kids mentioned that he loved the fact that he was mentored here and now he is a mentor to the younger or newer ones. I mean true-life miracles are happening here at this place. Yes right here in the City of Reading! This isn’t just a gym this is a transformational after school program. I feel that they are providing a safe space with supportive relationships, appropriate structure, and positive expectations for behavior. Several of them also stated: “This is Family”! As you can see Star City is giving these kids a sense of belonging and sometimes that is all they need.
I can only imagine what this is doing for these kids and their academic achievement. I’m sure it’s helping to improve concentration, memory, classroom behavior and I would even dare to say they are less likely to develop depression. Parents stop by and visit Star City Boxing and tell them Palo Magazine sent you.
By Rosa Julia Parra
