Good people doing great things...
It's a theme that I keep coming back to in this blog because I am constantly meeting individuals and groups who are making a positive difference throughout District 2 and all of Kansas City, Kansas.
Back in mid-December I had the distinct pleasure of meeting KCK Police Detective Greg Conchola and spending some time one evening at his Kansas City, Kansas Police Athletic League (KCK PAL) Boxing Gym at 407 N. 6th Street.
In a building that used to house an auto upholstery company (I got the seats of my Rambler Rebel re-covered there in the mid-70s), Detective Conchola is working magic with dozens of young men and women. He is using competitive boxing to not only help the youth improve their fitness and vitality, but also to learn invaluable lessons in initiative, discipline, perseverance and respect.
Kansas City Star writer Mary Sanchez also visited the gym the same night that I did along with Star photographer Rich Sugg. So rather than creating a long post here on my blog, I invite everyone to click the link below and read the wonderful article Mary published in the Star this morning.
KC Star article by Mary Sanchez.
You can also visit the KCK PAL Facebook page to learn even more about the program.
Hats off to Detective Conchola and all of his volunteers for their tireless work to make a positive difference in the lives of the young people of Kansas City, Kansas!!
You can contact the gym directly if you are interested in volunteering or contributing to their programming.
Here are a couple of photos I took during my visit. You can see more photos online in the KC Star article on kansascity.com.
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| Unless you look close, it's possible to drive by the "garage door window" without appreciating the bustle of activity taking place inside. |
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| A couple of the young men work on heavy bags. Even if I had brought a better camera than my phone, the young man on the left would still have been a blur... He moved FAST! |
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| The fact that the bag she was working on was bigger around than she was didn't stop this young lady. She moved fast and hit hard! |
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| With a volunteer instructor watching from the far end of the ring and another boxer waiting his turn, two teenage boys sparred several rounds. It only takes a few minutes of watching to appreciate the high fitness level that the participants attain as part of KCK PAL! |
Have a great weekend!
~ Brian
bmckiernan@wycokck.org
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