A Knock Out for the Gateway Classic

St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation
2012 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
St. Louis, MO 63106
Phone:  (314) 621-1994 Fax: (314) 621-6113
Website: www.gatewayclassic.org

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:  Richard Gray
 

A KNOCK OUT FOR THE GATEWAY CLASSIC 

ST. LOUIS (February 18, 2009) When Stephen Young expressed at the early age of 14 his desire to follow in his father's footsteps, he had no idea his own accomplishments in the boxing arena would give rise to achievements as National Jr. Olympic Champion, Golden Gloves Bronze Medalist and a spot on the United States National Team.  But the belts, medals and titles aren't the motivating factors for Young's desire to win now.  

Six years later, Stephen Young and the United States National Boxing Team gave an evening of their time at the St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation to provide guidance, instruction and motivation to youth from the City Recreational Boxing gyms from the St. Louis metropolitan area.  

"My path in boxing has given me wonderful opportunities to travel, represent my hometown as well as my country," said Young, a 2006 graduate of Riverview Gardens High School who learned the skills of boxing at Gamble Recreation Center.  "When I am able to spend time with the youth and see that many of them look up to me, it only makes me want to work harder toward accomplishing the goals that I have set for myself." 

Young was focused on his latest matchup against the National Team representing Great Britain in St. Louis which took place this past weekend.  He not only was able to showcase his talent in front of his hometown, but also included the youth at the St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation that he had the opportunity to sit down, converse with, and inspire.  Tickets were provided to the Classic for everyone who attended to see Young and ten other members of the team in action. 

"I was proud to see such a young man who I would consider a role model to these kids give back," said Earl Wilson, President of the Gateway Classic.  "It was equally as impressive to see the other members of the team give their time and energy to a great cause." 

Many who have had the opportunity to box competitively firmly believe that it is a sport which promotes self-discipline, in turn instilling the ability to concentrate and focus under pressure.  The focus of the U.S. National Boxing Team to all of the youth was relaying that with everyday life endeavors, the skills learned in the boxing arena can be applied to overcome obstacles and achieve success. 

Young left the youth with the following thought..."boxing contains the components of competiveness, pain and disappointment, but it also holds elements of courage, discipline and triumph."