
On Halloween day, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman had a treat in store.
After flying back from Saudi Arabia the night before he choose to go to Eagle Academy of Harlem to chat to the students there.
Eagle Academy is one of the few schools in NYC that has a boxing program for young men.
They entered in groups of 50, expecting to learn about boxing, and in addition got a lesson in setting goals, patience and life planning. He praised teachers and said they were like coaches, there to help with structure and a lay out a path for future success.
One of the students who had stopped boxing after his father passed, was given a boxing scholarship by Mauricio at Mendez Gym, which is walking distance from the school. Another, a baseball enthusiast, was put in touch with Lou DiBella, who is as involved in that sport as well as in boxing.
When the sessions were over, Mauricio presented a medal to the principle and Donald Ruff, the head of the Eagle Academy Foundation.
Donald Ruff wrote “thank you for a magical and life changing visit. We were all so moved you’d make the time for us!”
Then Mauricio went to the new Mendez Gym to visit with Frankie Mendez and his sister Luz, who is fighting this week for Haymakers for Hope.
The new gym in Harlem is beautifully set up and inviting. It captures the spirit of the late, Francisco Mendez and he is remembered in every corner in the gym. In fact, the Mendez gloves, now have his picture on them.
After speaking to Frankie and those training there, a moment was taken to reflect on the beautiful bond between Mauricio and the Mendez Family.
It was a heartwarming, and for the young people, a life enriching morning.
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