USA Boxing Metro Announces Education Initiative

METROPOLITAN, N.Y. - Aug. 19, 2016 - PRLog -- In continued commitment to the health, welfare, and education of registered athletes, the local boxing committee (LBC) of USA Boxing (USAB Metro) is introducing the Metro Education Initiative in the month of August 2016.  The program is designed to support athletes in realizing their potential in life, both inside and outside the ring.

The program was conceived in the fall of 2015 when USAB Metro collected report cards from school-aged boxers before the Junior Olympic Tournament.  Jr. Olympic & Youth Development Chair, Vaughn Benjamin, reports "The majority of the High School and Middle School boxers earned above an 80% average.  Moreover, of the eighty-three percent of Elementary School boxers submitting report cards, half of those students are meeting or exceeding standards."

Committee Chairman Ray Cuadrado announced, "The LBC Board of Directors recognizes the importance of student athletes balancing their academic requirements with boxing training.  In an effort to encourage and support education, the Metro LBC leadership has adopted a policy that promotes school attendance, participation and performance.  Ultimately, Metro wants to take advantage of the high level of discipline required in Olympic Style boxing and create systems and opportunities for boxing athletes' academic development, as well as their personal and professional (boxing and non-boxing) endeavors.

The "Metro Education Initiative" includes offering support services and tutoring for student athletes at all levels.  This includes a backpack distribution for elementary, middle and high school students.  High school seniors and college athletes will have the ability to explore and develop career options through the "Shadow Box Program," where they can directly observe professionals working in their respective fields.  Scholarships will also be awarded to boxers pursuing post-secondary education thanks to the hard work, dedication and generosity of the NYPD and FDNY Boxing Teams who work tirelessly at coordinating events aimed at fundraising for worthwhile charities.

Interim USAB Metro President, Sonya Lamonakis, a NYC Educator and World Champion boxer, announced, "The Metro Education Initiative's backpack distribution will officially launch on August 20^th, at the Board of Governors meeting, 1030am at Bat Haus, 279 Starr St, Bushwick, NY 11237 and continue at the Harlem Week Event, in partnership with the New York Daily News, and at various USA Boxing events scheduled for that week.  Backpacks containing school supplies will be given to member boxing club owners for distribution to their local athletes."

USA Boxing Metropolitan Association is the local boxing committee for amateur boxing in New York City, Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester counties.  USAB Metro represents over 60 registered boxing clubs, gyms, and academies, as well as more than 1800 athletes, coaches, and officials.

For a list of the many Boxing Clubs that have welcomed and embraced the LBC's commitment to education, and have submitted report cards and progress reports during participating tournaments, please send inquiries to Ray Cuadrado at RayCuadrado1@aol.com (mailto:LizaC.Metro@gmail.com).