First Ascenders partners with Downtown Boxing

December 2, 2011 (Denver, CO) – First Ascenders and Downtown Boxing Gym Youth Program, a 501c3 dedicated to encouraging the youth of Detroit to engage in a demanding physical, academic and social program in which trainers, tutors, counselors and social workers provide daily services, have teamed up to provided Detroit’s youth the opportunity to climb and camp in Colorado’s great outdoors.

“I was blown away when I first heard about Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit, Michigan,” said Kevin Riley, strategic officer at First Ascenders. “Downtown Boxing is more than a gym for youth. It’s a community center, it’s a home. It’s a healthy and safe environment for youth to develop as individuals.”

“First Ascenders provides services that Downtown Boxing Youth Program just can’t provide on its own. Having access to climbing and camping programs through FA allows us to widen the reach of our program and inspire our community though the great outdoors,” said Jessica Hauser, Downtown Boxing chief administrative officer.

Downtown Boxing Gym Youth Program’s mission is to have these young athletes extend these character traits into the classroom and back into the community. Currently the Youth Program has 25-30 participants who take advantage of expert physical training, academic tutoring, after-school nutrition and peer advising services – all delivered at the Downtown Boxing Gym at no cost to the participants and their families.

First Ascenders began with a teacher taking his students to a climbing gym. Educator Yoni Geffen eventually recruited climber friends Jonah Fruchter and Kevin Riley to help more of his students experience the sport in an authentic, outdoor setting. This first group of educators, climbers and students all saw the unique benefits of confidence, leadership and trust that rock climbing offers. First Ascenders currently helps Denver School of Science and Technology students gain access to the outdoors while building important life skills.

Partners