Designed to provide area youth from low-income families with access to professional physical fitness training and the opportunity to channel their energy in a constructive form, RF Youth Boxing was founded in 2005 by Mickens, a master level personal trainer and boxing coach and partner Moyosore Paupau, a professional personal trainer and certified social worker.
"Boxing's effect can be tremendously positive," said Mickens, "transforming an angry misguided teen into a focused, confident and directed athlete. It's extremely gratifying to share the sport's benefits and watch our kids mature and develop skills. I love what I do, and am thrilled to see my enthusiasm for the sport echoed by these fine young men and women. I look forward to extending the program to include more of our youth and I am grateful for the support of the community."
Revolution Fitness, founded in October 2005, is a comprehensive fitness facility dedicated to promoting optimal physical and mental fitness through group and individualized customized boxing. Recognizing a need for active engagement with community youth who could not afford the fare to gain access to the quality of guidance, training, and supervision afforded by private recreation facilities and sports clubs, Mickens and Paupau committed to establishing a program for youth ages 13-18, where they saw the greatest need. The program began with four teens who expressed interest in boxing but could not afford club membership. The program has expanded to include 6 active participants ages 13-18. "Our target is to sponsor 30 student participants by this time next year," said Paupau. "That's why we decided to host a fundraiser, to ask the community to help. We are pleased to provide teens with a space that is safe, clean and fun. It's extremely gratifying to watch as young people acquire new skills, gain confidence, and learn discipline, grace and comportment. Boxing is a terrific outlet for expression that meets the need for healthy, active recreation."
Mickens, who has dedicated a minimum six hours weekly to RF youth training for two years, will expand the hours the facility is available to local youth to 15 hours weekly. The group has applied for 501(c)(3) (not-for-profit) tax exemption, with approval anticipated fourth quarter this year.
Nine local youth who participated in the RF Youth program graduated high school and are now attending college. Two of the program's current participants are scheduled to compete as USA amateur boxers. There are currently ten full time students enrolled.
Annual commitment levels available to corporate sponsors are as follows: Gold Sponsorship ($15,000 to $20,000), Silver ($10,000 to $15,000) and Bronze ($5,000 to $10,000). Private sponsors: Champion Sponsor ($1000-$5000) Ringside ($500 - $1000) and Booster ($100 - $500).
