Revere Boxing Youth Outreach Center activates “Operation Handlebars”

By Melissa Moore-Randall

Revere Boxing Youth Outreach Center is in search of new or used bicycles for their boxing students. The Center has become aware that kids in the boxing community have transportation issues getting to and from their respective gyms. As a result, they have started “Operation Handlebars” to work collectively to keep their athletes active, away from the video games, in the gym and off the streets.

“Operation Handlebars” began when a student approached Joe Singer, RPD School Resource Officer and founder of Revere Boxing Youth Outreach Center, and said his dad left the family and took his bike and his sister’s. “He never learned how to ride a bike, so I got him and a couple of other kids new bikes to show them how to ride. These kids are just a few of many with no father figures or positive role models in their lives. Not everyone was dealt the same hand, but every kid deserves a fighting chance.”

The boxing program began four years ago, when Singer started it in a small office located inside of Revere High School. The Center relocated to Winthrop Avenue and has continued to thrive since. To date, almost 500 kids have gone through the program, with all except one either successfully graduating from high school, going to college, joining the military or joining the workforce.

The Center is currently hosting a free summer program. Students in grades 4, 5 and 6 can attend Monday-Friday from 10-11 a.m., and students in grades 7-12 can attend Monday-Friday from 12-2 p.m. Interested students can contact the Center at Re******************@***il.com or stop by the Center to sign up.

All bike donations can be brought to the Center (located at 200 Winthrop Avenue, Revere). Monetary donations to purchase additional bikes are also encouraged. Donations can also be mailed to the Center or sent via VENMO @revereboxingoutreach.