Page 33 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 103
P. 33
www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #103 August 2021 33
Champs Eastside Boxing
Club Reopens this Month
“I think that’s a good thing,” YOUR HEADQUARTERS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNWANTED FIREARMS
By Molly Kett says Luis. “For years and years, WE PAY
A
Y
WE P
S S
we supplied most of the equipment
free or very cheap. No matter what CASH FOR GUNS
hamps Eastside Boxing Club
we do the club always smells like
Cwas forced to close for most sweat and leather!”
FREE
IN-ST
ORE APPRAISALS
of 2020 and 2021 so far, due to FREE IN-STORE APPRAISALS
COVID-19. Jorge Luis, club Although Luis jokes that the 3045 Pitt St Cornwall • (613) 932-0717
owner, says they followed the place always smells of sweat
and leather, he also says that it’s
mandates of both the government www.fencedepotltd.ca
and their association (Boxing a place of dreams. “It’s a place
Ontario), which governs boxing. where a young person can aspire
They were open for about five to maybe one day be a provincial
months in 2020, and another two or national champion. Where an
older adult can find a place to
months this year, with the goal of
keeping members safe. Now, the leave their frustrations on a heavy
club is excited to announce that bag. Where you will get a workout
they are officially opening to the that will test your character to the
public on Monday August 2nd, limit, but also leave you feeling
good. Where you will learn what
2021.
you’re made of and that you can
“I have mixed feelings about accomplish whatever you want.
the re-opening,” says Luis. “I am
I like to put it like this: to be a
curious to see how this pandemic champion you must be a contender
has affected the sport of boxing, first. What’s a contender? A
especially at the amateur level. I contender is that individual that is
am curious to see how tournaments willing to take themselves as far
will be conducted and its impact
as their body, mind, and soul will
on our volunteers like officials and allow. If you have talent and are
coaches. The vibe is very good as willing to work hard, our training
far as the gym. It seems this pause program will bring the best out
has created lots of interest in our of you. Our young and older
program, and it seems like young
members over twenty years are a
people want to get out as much as testament to our program.”
older people. People are craving
Although the doors of the club Photo Submitted
activity. This is all good. I am also
curious and interested in seeing have been closed for some time,
how the Olympics in Tokyo will the passion Luis has for it has
fare, especially the boxing. How remained throughout, and he’s
they run and conduct that event excited to get people back in and
training.
will be a model for the rest of the
world.” “Champs Eastside Boxing has
been a labour of love for me.
With re-opening on the horizon,
Luis says that they must be very Sometimes, more labour than
mindful of disinfection and love. I have met wonderful people
keeping the club clean. Cleanliness and the success stories are too
is of utmost importance. numerous. The ones who excelled
in competition and won titles. The
“We also demand members ones who lost weight and kept it
follow protocol and not come off. The ones who were bullied
and train if they are sick. We
but learned to look people in the
had to make a few adjustments eye and learned to love the person
in how we space the punching in the mirror a little better,” says
bags and equipment, but nothing Luis. “Great memories. It was all
major. We have members register worth it. If it all ends tomorrow It
and sign waiver forms before
was a great ride! But I truly hope
commencing training,” says Luis. the best is yet to come. It’s not
Because of this, there are how many times you get knocked
currently no walk-ins or tryouts. down that count, it’s how many Photo Submitted
There will also be no clubhouse times you get back up in the ring
equipment, like gloves, provided and in life. We need that spirit of
for sanity reasons. combat now more than ever.”
