A San Diego gym is helping children deal with bullying, racism and mistrust of police. It's a campaign called One Million Punches from the Heart.
"Whether it be kids who are being knocked around bullied, any racism and violence, and it's an opportunity for them to punch it out of the heart," said Cameron Trickey, the event organizer.
ABC Youth Foundation recently announced "1,000,000 Punches from the Heart," a community awareness and boxing fundraising campaign. The famous boxer, Archie Moore first opened ABC, (Any Body Can) gym in Stockton in the 1950's. His son, Billy Moore, also a boxer has been running it since his father's death.
The gym is a second home to countless kids from some of San Diego's toughest neighborhoods.
"With your coaches you have a personal connection and you can tell that they truly care about you," said Lizette Corrales.
Corales gave up ballet for boxing four years ago. Since then, she's won four fights in her weight class. She says she's learning valuable skills in and out of the ring.
"Definitely discipline and just continuing with the routine and never giving up," said Lizette.
Nine-year-old Rommel Sales said boxing has helped him build confidence to deal with kids who pick on him.
"The bullies just make me feel bad, so I just come here to work out a lot and feel better and better," said Sales.
The 1,000,000 Punches from the Heart
Encinitas Boxing and Fitness / 613 Westlake Street
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 18
Organizers want to bring awareness about the campaign to kids in San Diego's North County. Admission is $20 or a $1 a punch and the money will benefit the ABC Youth Foundation.
"Getting knocked down, coming back, great Cinderella stories, hope and providing inspiration to kids to live out their dreams," said Trickey.
ou canfind out more about the foundation on their website.
