Community leaders guide young boys through mentorship & boxing program in Roanoke
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — Making a difference in the Star City. That’s the goal of one program held at the 727 Combat Fitness Hub in Northwest Roanoke.
On Saturday, May 4, the hub was filled with young boys in the community who were ready to put their dukes up and learn boxing skills, discipline, and teamwork with the “R.I.L.L Talk R.I.L.L Action Youth Mentorship and Boxing Program.” Tim Wade a professional fighter, personal trainer, and owner of 727 Combat Fitness Hub says the program is the funnel to be a positive role model for the community.
“Everybody talks about doing stuff for the community and helping out, but nobody’s actually doing stuff. So… I’m doing stuff. I want to be a part. I want to have my fingers on the ground, my feet on the ground, and make sure I’m being part of the community, and a part of the change I want to see,” explained Wade.
But, he is just one of the moving parts of the “R.I.L.L Talk R.I.L.L Action Youth Mentorship and Boxing Program.”
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Wade along with several other instructors lead the program. From conditioning to teaching decision-making, the five-week agenda emphasizes guidance and useful resources for young boys.
To bring the vision to life, Leigh Stover, the Communications and Grant Coordinator submitted a grant to the Roanoke Gun Violence Commission Fund to get “R.I.L.L Talk R.I.L.L Action” off the ground.
“Roanoke Independent Leaders for Life is what it stands for. Every single piece of this grant addresses that in a different way. It’s catchy, it’s cool, and I think it’s something that I think will last beyond the funding,” said Stover.
The program is part of an initiative by the Partnership for Community Wellness. The organization partnered with Modern Gladiator, Ancestral Perspective, and Blackford Barbell Strength & Combat for the free boxing and mentorship program.
“Seeing the instructors and their different strengths and they are all working together, they are all from different walks of life. It’s amazing. I love it,” shared Stover.
Over the last two Saturdays, boys 10 through 17 stepped into the small gym on Centre Avenue to take something with them that can be used in their everyday lives. Jamir Ramsey, a William Fleming High School student who attends the program says his favorite thing to do is discover his potential and meet new people.
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“You get the support from everybody. You work with everybody. You learn different things. So I think it’s more of a team than a solo sport,” said Ramsey.
The next set of classes will be held on May 11, 18, and 25, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. To sign up click here.
Be a part of the change you want to see,” said Wade. “The community is experiencing a lot of different things. The focus on gun violence is one thing, but I think its mental awareness. People can pick up a rock if they get the opportunity, or a knife. The weapon of choice shouldn’t be the focus. It should be why they are doing this…or just having more self dispclpine or more men helping boys.
For more information text or call Tim Wade at 540-761-1211.
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