North SGV News

Olympic gold medalist and 10-time world champion Oscar De La Hoya donated more than $25,000 in state-of-the-art boxing equipment to the Duarte Boxing Gym (1400 Buena Vista Avenue) on Wednesday, March 15. Dozens of excited local youth and boxing program participants gathered to receive new equipment and excitedly have it signed by De La Hoya. Duarte Mayor Jody Schulz and Councilmembers Sam Kang, Tera Martin Del Campo, and Cesar Garcia also joined De La Hoya at the ceremony. 

“The City’s boxing program is an incredible asset to our community. It provides opportunities for many boys and girls in Duarte to get active and build their confidence, engaging specifically at-risk youth who may not have the resources and support needed to grow into the best versions of themselves. When youth have a choice to engage in an enriching program and take it, we as a community have fulfilled our responsibility to our children and begin the true journey of helping them reach their goals and dreams,” said Duarte Mayor Jody Schulz. “We thank Oscar De La Hoya for promoting the Duarte boxing program’s mission of building a safe and welcoming environment for Duarte children to grow and learn important life skills, camaraderie, social responsibility, and self-actualization. Thanks, Mr. De La Hoya, for supporting our youth in a similar way that you found motivation and inspiration through your life’s journeys. In your success, you have now inspired us.”

Born and raised in East Los Angeles, Oscar De La Hoya was a professional boxer for 17 years, earning many accolades and praises throughout his career. In 1995, Oscar De La Hoya founded the Oscar De La Hoya foundation to help carry out his mission of giving back to the community and supporting educational and athletic opportunities for underprivileged youth.“We are incredibly grateful to receive this generous donation from Oscar De La Hoya and his foundation,” said Duarte’s boxing program coach Victor Valenzuela. “Boxing teaches our youth self-discipline and dedication. Oscar De La Hoya is a model for our boxers on how hard work pays off. We appreciate him recognizing and supporting our kids.” 

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