This afternoon, from the Penitentiary and Social Reintegration Center of Tenango del Valle, State of Mexico, Dr. Eunice Rendón and the President of the WBC presented the book “Knockout: No Tires La Toalla”, a book that reflects the objectives and results of this initiative that seeks, through the practice of boxing to contribute to the social reintegration of people deprived of liberty.
Dr. Rendon explained that this initiative also aims to provide life skills to people to be released for them to reintegrate into society once they leave prison in a more appropriate and friendly way, reducing levels of stress and antisocial and violent behaviours.
She also spoke of the importance of working on policies and actions related to prevention of violence, in a context in which one of four inmates is a repeat offender, focusing the interventions on those who committed a crime, in order for the criminal act not to be repeated. She mentioned that schemes should be sought that contribute to reintegration through comprehensive interventions that address physical, psycho-emotional and social needs from different areas, which is why this model focuses on working on emotional, social, family reintegration, educational and employment of the person who committed a crime.
For the Doctor, this book is convincing proof that the only way to give an effective second chance to those who for some reason have been offenders, is by providing them with life skills, improving their self-esteem, with mental health and through reflection and collective family forgiveness.
“Knockout: No Tires la Toalla” is implemented by the civil association Red VIRAL, the World Boxing Council, the Schools of Forgiveness and Reconciliation and the Secretariat of Security of the State of Mexico and it has produced very positive numbers, as 90% of the participants have defeated addictions, including highly addictive drugs, in addition, Dr. Rendón explained that at the beginning of the program, the two predominant negative emotions in the group were anger, with 93%, and its manifestation with 60% ; However, over time, almost 100% reduced their hostility, they have even made plans for the future and have a sense of belonging to a group, understanding the importance of forgiveness, self-control and discipline.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán, explained that the program has been one of the most important social programs for the organization, since this sector was forgotten and to some extent lagged behind; However, this initiative demonstrated with numbers, achievements and facts that boxing is the key to change. He highlighted and praised the work of all the participants in this program because without their effort and dedication, but above all their desire to go ahead, none of this would be possible.
He added that all human beings are imperfect and that sometimes life puts us in places or situations that can lead us astray, but that should not determine our future, because we all have the right to a second chance, to correct the problem and become the best version of ourselves. He encouraged everyone not to let themselves fall, not to lose faith, because there will always be a path and outside there is a range of opportunities. A family willing to regain those ties of union , friends and above all people to inspire with our history, because “In wanting is power.”
The Undersecretary of Penitentiary Administration, Dr. Manuel Palma Range said that as a society we have an obligation to support those people who have made a mistake, who took responsibility and are seeking to return to daily life. He praised the fact that Dr. Eunice and Mr. Sulaimán will detect the problems that exist in the prison system and not only that, but they have sought to develop an action plan to offer encouraging results.
Present at the event we had outstanding world champions, including: Pipino Cuevas, Isaac Bustos, Humberto Gonzalez and Lupe Pintor, who, on behalf of these legends, sent a clear message: “Working concerning ourselves is the key to a better future.” For Pintor, being constant, disciplined and focusing our emotions are the principles that will lead us to an emotional and physical balance, but above all the strong will to be better, step by step.
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