The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
STEEL CITY STORM SHINES
Charity boxing tournament recognizes local talent
A Lorain youth boxing tournament is putting the spotlight on local talent and community efforts to help engage youth.
Stepping into South Lorain’s Sacred Heart Chapel on Aug. 25, the passion and intensity was overtly evident as the city played host to Steel City Storm.
The youth boxing tournament affiliated with the Lake Erie Boxing Association and USA Boxing highlighted talent from around the region. With his voice still recovering from the event, Steel City Boxing Academy Coach Daniel Barreiro was all about his students.
“We dedicate ourselves to this program. We don’t get paid for it. Every bit of donations we get goes straight to the program so
“I want everybody in the community to know that we do this strictly for the kids.”
— Steel City Boxing Academy Coach Daniel Barreiro
it’s been an uphill battle but doors have been opening for us in finding new sponsors,” Barreiro said.
The tournament was planned over the course of a few months and he said it was really a coming out show for them to highlight what they are about.
“It’s a huge accomplishment for us first and foremost being the youngest coaches in Lake Erie Boxing Association,” Barreiro said.
“And just the simple fact that we’ve been able reach such a large crowd in such a short amount of time is a huge accomplishment for us. It shows us that really the sky is the limit as far as seeing this whole thing bloom.”
Barreiro took over the gym, along with Jaime Garcia, from his grandfather Freddie Barreiro, who ran the program for more than 45 years.
Coach Jamie Colon said the process in preparing for the event and running the gym is a bit different than his experience training as a boxer in the program growing up. It’s extensive not only in preparing their own boxers but showcasing to the community about the positive impact boxing can have.
“It is kind of tough because you’ve got to worry about the gym as the first priority and you’ve got to worry about putting on a good show for everybody,” Colon said. “Because that’s what keeps the gym going: throwing these shows and more fundraisers. “It is nonprofit and this is one the big ways to keep this gym going.”
The nonprofit organization offers free programming for youth between ages 8-17, bringing a positive environment and opportunities to train in an uplifting environment while improving their physical and mental discipline and conditioning.
“This is the environment that you want your child to be in. We teach these kids lessons about life, we teach them how to defend themselves and we also teach them how to stay disciplined in their work. We encourage good grades. We encourage so many things. All together it’s just a big self-esteem boost,” Barreiro added.
With the help of sponsors, including Joe Firment Chevrolet and El Centro’s Hispanic Fund, the program has expanded and its 1310 Colorado Ave. location in the back of the Vine and Hope Church has been renovated. Barreiro and Colon were also incredibly thankful to Sacred Heart which has supported the program over the years.
“I want everybody in the community to know that we do this strictly for the kids. We do this to get the kids off the streets and get the youth who may not have the financial stability or just the opportunity to go to these larger programs and be a part of big travelling baseball team or basketball team,” Barreiro said.
“We offer help for the kids who just don’t have it like that. We bring those kids in, those high energy kids who need discipline.”