NEW YORK -  The Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation and NYC Cops & Kids announce their first jointly run Boxing Club at Flatbush Gardens, located in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY.  This Club, at 3301 Foster Avenue, is located in the center of the Flatbush Gardens residential community and will train youths from ages 12 to 21.

In announcing the Boxing Club, the Atlas Foundation and NYC Cops & Kids thank Clipper Equity, the owners of Flatbush Gardens, for their generosity in creating the gym, with locker rooms and an office, totaling 2,300 square feet.  In addition, Clipper Equity has arranged a special multi-year license, at charity rate, for the Flatbush Gardens Boxing Club.

JJ Bistricer, executive vice president of Clipper Equity states, “Flatbush Gardens is a vibrant neighborhood and programs like this add to the positive experience of those who live in the community.” Clipper Equity has also built a resident’s Fitness Center and a Day Care Center that will be opening soon.

A second major supporter of the program is actor Dustin Hoffman and his wife, Lisa.  Pat Russo, a retired NYPD Sergeant and co-founder of NYC Cops & Kids Boxing Club, explains, ”Mr. Hoffman has been a life long fan of boxing and when he heard about this program, he made a major donation toward the purchase of the equipment.”  In giving his gift, Mr. Hoffman said, “It’s great that you are bringing youth and the police of this city together in a safe and productive environment.”   NYC Police Lt. Dave Siev, co-founder of Cops & Kids, says,  “Before kids can go places, they need a place to go and this Club is a good safe place for them to go.”

Teddy Atlas, the founder of the Atlas Foundation, boxing trainer and sports commentator states, “For the past thirteen years, the Dr. Atlas Foundation has been serving the City's sick and hungry -- making sure that an ill child gets the medical care he or she needs, and feeding the hungry through our food pantry.  There are other problems affecting our community, such as a lack of direction and discipline among our young people. This is something that a properly run boxing gym will be able to provide.  It is therefore with great pride and hope that the Dr. Atlas Foundation is partnering with NYC Cops & Kids to open a youth boxing gym and mentoring program at Flatbush Gardens in Brooklyn.”

The Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation and NYC Cops & Kids Flatbush Gardens Boxing Club members will receive training from USA Boxing certified coaches as well as from volunteer coaches from the NYPD & FDNY Boxing Teams.  The training will include boxing techniques, sparring, heavy bag, speed bag and calisthenics. They will also be educated on the importance of proper nutrition.

All Club members will be required to register with USA Boxing which costs fifty dollars per year. Priority membership will be given to Flatbush Gardens residents.  Some of the boxers will compete in tournaments such as the Daily News Golden Gloves, the junior Olympics, the NYC Metro’s and maybe someday the Olympics representing the USA.