CHARTER OAK AMATEUR BOXING ACADEMY
Cause Area
- Children & Youth
- Community
- Sports & Recreation
Location
81 Pope Park HwyHARTFORD, CT 06106 United StatesOrganization Information
Mission Statement
Charter Oak Boxing Academy (COBA) is a small grassroots organization that promotes youth development and strong character among Hartford's at-risk boys and girls (ages 8-24). Our aim is to keep kids in school, out of gangs and crime, away from drugs and make sure they pursue some form of post-secondary education. We strive to create capable, confident youth who become leaders in the community and understand the importance of teamwork, responsibility, compassion and giving back. The primary vehicle used to do this is amateur boxing, where caring coach-mentors continuously draw metaphors between boxing and everyday life.
Description
Designed for the "whole" child, we also offer fitness and wellness programs, as well as wraparound services like tutoring, mentoring, outdoor learning, supportive counseling and linkage to treatment, housing and other social services. Of key importance is that we are not interested in creating pro-boxers. Though we offer kids the training to become "champions in the ring," our primary aim is to create "champions of life" outside the ring. As Ring Magazine, considered the Bible of boxing, puts it: "COBA is aboxing club where life is the main event."