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"It’s better to sweat in the gym than bleed in the streets."
I have a t-shirt that reads the following, “It’s better to sweat in the gym than bleed in the streets.” I often wear it running errands around the city or working out (which never happens so that doesn’t count), but from time to time people stop and ask me what it means. It’s a genius t-shirt because it facilitates questions that often lead to discussions which allows me to tell the story of Restoration Ministries Boxing Club.
The boxing club was created to give kids/teens the opportunity to duke it out in a boxing ring rather than the streets of Harvey, IL. It further teaches the individuals the discipline and respect it takes to undertake a sport such as boxing.
The look washing over people’s faces—after hearing about the program—ranges from disgust to admiration. A CNN blog article recently featured a similar boxing club (this one facilitated by a Muslim Imam) highlighting the same pros/cons (ie. faith based arguments against fighting) people say in response to the unconventional outlet for taking youngsters off the streets. For me, the point is the children and teens are taken off the streets and put into a healthy environment—one that builds substantial morals and arms them with the mental capacity to handle life outside the ring, enabling them to relieve their emotions physically inside the ring.
Restoration Ministries is an incredible organization bringing hope to the hopeless in Harvey and neighboring areas. Visit their website if you want to learn about their programs, volunteering and donations.
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About me
Writing as though someone's actually reading. My daily procrastination.
