February 14, 2017
CONTACT: Daneea Badio-McCray
PAL Executive Director
dbadio@mariettaga.gov
770.794.5425
MARIETTA - The Marietta Police Athletic League’s (PAL) Youth Boxing Program has cultivated its first boxing champion. On Saturday, Feb. 11th at the Freedom Park Boxing Event in Macon, Georgia, Marietta PAL’s 10 year old boxer, Emmanuel Seifu, fought three one minute rounds. Just minutes after the final bell rang, Emmanuel was named the winner by unanimous decision in his first match bout before a crowd of family, friends, PAL supporters and approximately 300 spectators.
Leading the Marietta PAL Boxing Program is Coach Herbert Van Dorn, a certified USA Boxing Coach and Official. Coach Van Dorn remarked of the 5th grade student who attends the Marietta Center for Advanced Academics, “Emmanuel is a dedicated young person who works hard in every training secession.” Coach Van Dorn further commented that during this bout, “Emmanuel’s foot movement was swift and confident. His hand speed was quick and accurate.”
Serving as Assistant Captain of the PAL Boxing Club, Emmanuel is a leader and is always willing to help his teammates. Currently there are five members of the PAL Boxing Club with another sixteen students learning the basics of boxing.
Marietta PAL’s Boxing program is still accepting applications for youth ages 12-18 years old. Additionally, PAL is looking forward to hosting the Grand Opening of our brand new Marietta PAL Youth Boxing Gym on Tuesday, March 21st at 4pm at the Lawrence Street Recreation Center, 510 Lawrence Street, Marietta, GA. The public is invited to attend. For more information about registering or supporting Marietta PAL programs, please call 770-794-5425 or email PAL Executive Director, Daneea Badio-McCray at dbadio@mariettaga.gov.