Celebrating a year of renewal with the Freeport PAL Gym

The heart of Freeport, resonated with joy and celebration on Oct 13 as the Freeport Police Activity League (PAL) Boxing Gym commemorated its one-year renovation anniversary.

This event was more than just a gathering; it was a testament to the unwavering commitment of the gym to empower youth and strengthen the community.

The Freeport PAL Boxing Gym has deep roots within the community, emerging as a beacon of hope and a harbor of positive change since its inception in 1992. Founded by the late police officer and original Freeport PAL Executive Director, Jack Lundergan, the gym has fostered champions and instilled discipline and values in its members for three decades. It serves as a testament to the enduring power of sports in shaping young lives and building stronger communities.

A pivotal figure in this remarkable journey, Keisha Sanders, the owner of KeepFit Boxing, has a profound connection to the PAL Gym. An alum and former amateur boxer who began training at the gym in 2013, Sander’s journey reflects the transformative impact the PAL Gym has. Today, she not only reminisces about her boxing days, but also conducts empowering boxing classes for women at her establishment, KeepFit Boxing.

“I think something like this is great for the community, it’s very important because it’s for the youth,” Sanders said. “It’s something for the kids to do something positive, something that they can commit to something to keep them motivated outside of school.”

To celebrate the PAL Gym’s one-year renovation anniversary, Sanders joined hands with the gym, bringing together members from Keisha’s boxing classes, along with enthusiastic youth and dedicated fighters who call the PAL Gym their training ground.

“We have a lot of great coaches that really helped these kids with not just learning the fundamentals of boxing, but it also helps them with commitment and dedication that can help them in every area of their life,” Sanders said. “And the fact that we take on the youth, they can start young for and as they get older they really go to have discipline in their everyday life, and they actually get to enjoy the sport of boxing.”

The day was filled with nostalgia as they shared stories of the past, reflected on the present, and looked forward to an even brighter future. As Keisha expressed her excitement about the event, she highlighted the importance of preserving the spirit of the gym and continuing its mission of empowering youth.

The Freeport PAL Boxing Gym isn’t merely a place for punching bags and sparring; it stands as a powerful institution that transcends the boundaries of sport. It serves as an after-school and after-work program that aids young people in becoming productive and responsible members of society.

Coach Joe Higgins, a cornerstone of the PAL Boxing Gym in Freeport, played a pivotal role in the gym’s evolution over its 30-year journey. With a lifelong passion for boxing that began in Brooklyn in 1961 and persisted through his amateur fighting days and time as a New York City firefighter, Higgins discovered his true calling when he joined the Freeport gym.

Under his leadership, the gym has produced over 100 amateur champions, including five national champions. Beyond honing boxing skills, Higgins and his team of coaches focused on molding responsible, disciplined, and respectful individuals who thrive in life, not just in the ring.

The gym also instills crucial life skills in its participants, such as commitment and dedication, which resonate across various aspects of life. This holistic approach is why the gym remains a vital resource for the Freeport community.

The celebration was also a reflection of the gym’s unwavering commitment to community support. Over the years, the gym received immense backing from local community members, compassionate business owners, and dedicated volunteers, including those from “George to the Rescue.” This support has been instrumental in revitalizing the facility, ensuring that it remains a cutting-edge space for the next generation of boxers.

George Oliphant, a Marine veteran and the star of the NBC show “George to the Rescue,” spearheaded the renovation efforts. Thanks to his team’s dedication, the gym now boasts state-of-the-art facilities, providing young athletes with the tools and resources they need to excel in the sport while fostering a safe and clean environment for all participants.

As the Freeport PAL Boxing Gym stands on the precipice of its future, it maintains an unwavering commitment to its mission. Its impact extends far beyond the gym’s four walls, making it a symbol of hope and opportunity for the youth of Freeport. The gym’s dedication to shaping young lives and building a better future for the community remains resolute.

The one-year renovation anniversary celebration exemplifies the profound influence of sports in nurturing young talent and building more robust communities. The event was not just a celebration of the past year; it was a promise of more remarkable years to come, filled with empowerment, growth, and positive transformation.

To lend a helping hand, individuals or organizations interested in sponsoring the gym or donating essential items are encouraged to visit the facility at 100 Parsons Ave. at Bishop Frank O. White Park. The gym’s operating hours are Monday through Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m