March Thunder, the sixth annual amateur boxing show in association with Golden Gloves Greater Kansas City and the KCK PAL/AGIF (Kansas City, Kan., Police Athletic League/American GI Forum) Boxing Club is scheduled for Saturday, March 6. 

Showtime is 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m.  The event will be held at the National Guard Armory in KCK.

Tickets are $10 for general seating, $5 for those 12 and under and VIP seats can be purchased for $20.

The American GI Forum (AGIF) is a national family Veterans organization that is an advocate for Veterans rights.

The boxing tournament will raise funds for a local educational scholarship fund. For more information, please contact Christina Enriquez at (816) 726-8264.

Kansas City, Kan., Police detective Greg Conchola (pictured above) has a dream. 

His dream is to build a non-profit amateur boxing gym where kids can go to learn the “Sweet Science.”  A safe place that doesn’t recognize color, race, ethnicity or gang affiliation. 

A place for second chances where even the non-athletic and troubled kids can go to learn what it’s like to be part of a team in an individual sport.  A place to build confidence, self-control, and respect for themselves as well as others.  I’m happy to report that detective Conchola is realizing this dream. 

The formerly abandoned building at 407 North 6th Street is now the new home for the KCK PAL/AGIF (Police Athletic League/American GI Forum) Boxing Club. 

Monday through Thursday from 6:00-7:30pm and Saturday mornings 10:00-noon, the coaches and trainers work with upwards of sixty kids ranging in age from seven to seventeen.  How much does it cost you ask? 

Nothing.  Well, almost nothing.  The program, coaching and use of equipment is free.  The boxers do pay with their hard work and sweat.

While Conchola recognizes that many of the new members will most likely never enter the ring in competition, they are welcome to enjoy the training, camaraderie and the satisfaction of feeling physically fit. 

Some athletes do not fit in well with team sports, but with boxing they can develop at a comfort level which best suits them as individuals. 
Conchola recognizes that the reasons for having a boxing club could be misunderstood. 

That is one of the reasons that the PAL/AGIF Boxing Club gives thanks to the Kansan for the opportunity to present this article.  Boxing clubs such as this do not promote violence.  Safety is of the utmost importance and rules and behavior are strictly enforced to ensure the well being of the club members.
 
Recently, on a rainy day, I noticed a freckle-faced young man looking from the outside through our window. He had his nosed pressed up against the glass to get a better look inside. 

As he was looking, his left hand was held against his eye shielded the glaring light – while his right hand was held on the top of his head, to keep the rain from blurring his vision.
 
In part out of curiosity and to get him out of the rain, I stepped outside and asked him if he wanted to come in and learn how to box. He said that he did, but that his Mother wouldn’t let him. 

I asked him to bring his Mother to the gym so I could explain how the program worked and before I finished he had turned and sprinted down the street.  Ten minutes later, he and his Mother were standing in the gym office. 

His Mother expressed reservations about allowing her young son to box, worried that he might get hurt.  After a couple of minutes of explanation and assurances, she agreed to a one-session trial.  Some kids find out very quickly that this is hard work. 

Usually within the first twenty minutes, the coaches and the boxer know if they’re going to stick with it or not. 

As for this young man, he quickly discovered a passion that will hopefully change his life for the better.  He’s found a sport that he can excel in, and a new “family” that will do everything they can to support him and help him realize any goals that he sets for himself.

Presently the club is in need of a few more trainers and assistants – no experience is necessary.  There are plans to have some boxing events here at the club on 6th as early as this December. 

Communication, respect, participating on a large stage, physical fitness and confidence are the results the club works toward.  The residents of Wyandotte County will be proud.

 The fifth annual Kansas City Guns 'N Hoses fundraiser will be held Saturday, November 7th at Memorial Hall.  Area Policemen box area Firemen to raise funds for the Surviving Spouses and Family Endowment Fund (SAFE) and area amateur boxing.  

2009 Tickets Now On Sale! 
Ticket Prices: $10 and $20 General Admission 
and $30 Reserved 
At Ringside, Inc. 14865 W 105 St. Lenexa, KS 
events@ringside.com 913-888-7766 x879 
Or through Ticketmaster.com