Support Salazar to Represent Bocas del Toro in the Dominican Republic
Support Salazar to Represent Bocas del Toro in the Dominican Republic
We are excited to announce the details of our fundraising event for Aldahir Salazar, aka “Chino”, Bocas’ local boxing prospect, to travel to the Dominican Republic to compete in his first international boxing match. Any additional funds raised (which are not used for travel) will go to help support the youth boxing program, Los Tiburones de Isla Colon.
Aldahir Salazar is a 22 year old from the island who has really bettered his life through his dedication to athletics. His impressive 18-2 record has been noticed by Panama’s National Boxing team and he is currently a prime candidate for the team. We are told by local boxing officials that if Salazar performs well at the February tournament in the Dominican Republic, he will be invited to join the national boxing team and his opportunities will get even bigger.
Los Tiburones Boxing Program
Before getting to the fundraising details, I would like to point out how important this program is for Bocas del Toro’s less privileged youth. Consider a young man such as Salazar who has olympic-level prospects; a young man devoted to the betterment of himself. An individual with these qualities is assured to be a positive role model for hundreds of Bocas youth and beyond. The impact can be enormous! His own growth and advancement in the youth boxing program will no doubt encourage more and more kids to join and choose a positive life path rather than “the street”. It is also important to note that the youth boxing program is totally inclusive. I love watching them go for their warm-up jog before training. Youth of every race, size, age, girls and boys are present and participating. No one is left out.
The Fundraiser
The fundraising event to get Salazar to the Dominican Republic will be on January 22nd, from 2pm to 6pm at Tequila Republic. There will be live music, cool shirts with the Los Tiburones logo for sale and some members of the boxing program present to demonstrate and discuss what it’s all about. Y
The fundraising goal is $3,000. It is possible that it won’t cost quite that much to send Salazar and his trainer to the Dominican Republic. Therefore, any additional funds will go directly to help the program with purchasing new equipment and supplies. 100% of funds raised goes to the Dominican Republic trip and the Los Tiberones boxing program. None of the organizers will receive compensation other than the pride and joy that comes from supporting a good cause.
We hope to see you there! Here is a link to the Facebook event page (no need to RSVP, but it helps us know what to expect).
JANUARY 26 UPDATE: We have raised $2,897 of the $3,000 goal! Read more about the success of the fundraiser in this article.
Editor’s note: We would like to extend a special thank you to Kicho and Sofia, the dedicated trainers of this amazing youth boxing program since 1997, and to league organizers Manuel Sanjur and Ronaldo Diaz, for their dedication the young athletes and this sport. Thank you to The Foundation at Red Frog, Paradise Found Real Estate, Island Fitness, Castillo’s Charters, Bocas Rotary Club, N & M Servicios Contables, Bocas Para Todos, Mr. Josh Whitlock and to all the individuals who have supported the fundraising efforts so far.
If you are unable to attend the fundraising event and would still like to support, contact The Bocas Breeze Newspaper: +507 6537-0405 editor@thebocasbreeze.com.
Article by Russell Easby-Smith. Photo #1 of Salazar and #3 of Kicho by Alfredo Jurado Martinez of Bocasislove
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