News

Mayor Williams, Congresswoman Norton, Councilmember Graham and Others Salute Youth Violence Prevention Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Alan Heymann (202) 727-8229

Bianca Thompson (240) 593-1478

Saturday, May 21, 2005, 7 -- 10 p.m. Omni Shoreham Hotel 2500 Calvert Street, NW

Members of the media are invited to the first annual awards banquet, boxing demonstration and fundraiser for Keely’s Boxing Gym. Keely’s is headed by former lightweight boxing world champion Keely Thompson, Jr., and is the District’s premier anti-gang and anti-youth-violence program.

The Metropolitan Police Department reports a marked decrease in the amount of gang violence in the Ward One neighborhood where Keely’s is located.

In addition to training boxers, Keely’s promotes education, good sportsmanship, and anger management. Part one of the program uses professional athletes to instill discipline through physical training and conditioning in the sport of boxing. Part two of the program supplements this physical training with cognitive, psychological stimulation through education. The education portion consists of four basic components: learning basic computer skills, health education (nutrition, chronic disease, diet, exercise, STDs, etc), career building skills, and literacy.

"I’m fortunate to have met many of the young men and women who have taken part in Keely’s program," said Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward One). "It’s incredibly important for youth to have positive role models, good nutrition and an outlet for all that energy. Keely’s succeeds in providing all three."

Youth boxers will demonstrate their skills at the banquet and will be available for interviews. B-roll is available on DVD or VHS upon request.