This week, two champions stood strong for Philadelphia’s rec centers as Bernard Hopkins and Oscar De La Hoya met with Mayor Jim Kenney at Athletic Recreation Center in North Philadelphia.
During the visit, the Mayor toured the facility’s boxing gym and spoke with boxing trainers. He watched the kids show off skills they had learned in that very recreation center, too!
De La Hoya even practiced punches with a young boy who is learning there.
The Mayor also presented Hopkins with a ceremonial Liberty Bell to commemorate his final fight taking place on December 17.
Although Athletic Recreation Center was built in 1912, the boxing program didn’t begin until 1968. Champions who trained at Athletic Recreation Center include Charlie “Choo Choo” Brown, Rockin’ Rodney Moore, Anthony “The Messenger” Thompson, Bryant Jennings, and many others.
In addition to nurturing champions, the Athletic Recreation Center has been an essential part of the community for years. One of them, Geraldo Montilla, grew up attending programs at the Athletic Recreation Center and last year returned to work at the Rec Center during the summer.
Our rec centers are critical to our neighborhoods and our kids, but Geraldo probably explains it best: “First off, the kids are our future so we’ve gotta keep them out of trouble,” he said. “It’s important to keep them safe, and education is always key. Athletic is a second home to me, so it’s probably a second home to others, too.”
After the Monday tour of Athletic, the Mayor also spoke about the importance of the Rebuild initiative.
“As we move forward with Rebuild, I can’t think of better people to speak about the positive impact athletics can have on your life,” Mayor Kenney said. “Their stories are why we’re rebuilding our parks and rec centers, so that Philadelphians can come to spaces like these to work out their issues and explore new passions in a healthy way.”
Rebuild will invest in our neighborhood parks, libraries, recreation centers, and playgrounds across the city. These investments are critical because they will help expand educational opportunities for our children, support healthy lifestyles for all, improve public safety in our shared spaces, and create jobs for Philadelphians.
Although sites have not yet been selected, you can learn more about Rebuild on the initiative’s website.