Plenty of punch to be served at upcoming open house

Scott Csernyik

2/13/2002 12:00:00 AM

Fourteen-year-old Saginaw Chippewa youth Tommy Chamberlain isn't pulling any punches when it comes to the formation of the Tribe's newest club.

"I come here everyday to box," he stated. "This is the main thing I want to do with my life. I want to be a professional boxer."

An open house celebrating the Tribal Boxing Gym's grand opening is slated for Feb. 20 from 12 to 8 p.m. The facility is located on Remus Road next to Ngodewaangiziwin "Helping Our Families," formerly known as Tribal Social Services.

Youth Facility Coordinator Chip Neyome said the open house will include demonstrations and an open registration. Interested individuals will need to pay $35 to join the club.

The fee covers boxer liability issues and sanctioning fees under USA Boxing, the national governing body for Olympic-style boxing. The non-profit organization is the United States' member organization of the International Amateur Boxing Association (IABA). USA Boxing is comprised of 56 local boxing committees which are grouped into 14 geographical regions.

"Boxing is another outlet or opportunity at self-expression through sport," stated Neyome. He said the club, which has yet to be named, has about a dozen regular participants.

Because the program is in its infancy, hours have not been set yet. An after-school program is also being developed, according to Neyome. Boxing organizers are hoping to compete soon in tournaments across the state, as well as having matches with other Tribes in the state.

For more information about the open house, call (989) 775-4530.